EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – A house fire at 104 Southview Drive caused severe smoke and water damage on Thursday, displacing a family and injuring two dogs.
Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion just before the fire began. A girl who lives in the home arrived home from school to find smoke coming from the house and alerted a neighbor, who called the fire department.
Firefighters arrived to find thick smoke billowing from the home’s eaves. Three dogs and two turtles were inside at the time of the fire. One dog was released quickly, while the other two, secured in kennels, suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to the Excelsior Springs Animal Clinic for treatment. Both dogs have since recovered and have been released back to the family. Firefighters also successfully rescued the two turtles.
Assistant Fire Chief Camron White stated that the cause of the fire, though still under investigation, appears to be an unintentional electrical issue.
The family is in need of significant assistance due to the extensive smoke and water damage. According to a family member, they require a variety of items, including:
- Dumpster rental
- 3 Twin beds
- 1 Queen/king bed
- Clothes and shoes
- Towels and washcloths
- Bedding
- Pillows
- Pots and pans
- Kitchen supplies
- Furniture
- Bathroom items
- Baby items for a young girl
- Laundry baskets and totes
- Pull-ups size 5/6
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet supplies for dogs and aquatic turtles
- Baby gates
Those wishing to donate can email info@excelsiorcitizen.com to be directly connected with the family.
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