Scott City officials respond to two fires simultaneously

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- Fire officials responded to two fires simultaneously overnight Friday into Saturday.

According to information from the Scott City Fire Department, firefighters first learned of the first fire at 11:56 Friday night. Officials raced to the 300 block of Kelley Avenue to fight the flames.

Extinguished Fire — Scott City Fire Department

The department says that "heavy fire" was present along all sides of the building by the time of arrival. Firefighters immediately deemed the situation a working fire in defensive mode to get help from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, the NBC Fire Protection District, the Chaffee Fire Department, Gordonville air support and Benton Fire.

The flames were reportedly sparking off the main fire onto surrounding buildings and vehicles. Fire Chief Shawn Jackson says the heat from the fire was even melting siding on neighboring buildings. A second alarm was pushed, and the Scotty County Rural Fire Protection District, Oran Fire Protection District and the Jackson Fire Department joined the fight.

Chief Jackson said the fire was suspicious since it is the third to break out at this building in the last 30 days. An investigation has opened into the fires under the Missouri State Fire Marshal and the Scott City Police Department.

The fire department also thanks Scott City Public Works for its contribution of heavy equipment for crawlspace access.

While fighting the first fire, the department received word of a second fire in the 1500 block of East Maple St. at 3:43 a.m. on Saturday. Some officials were sent from the first fire to the second fire, arriving to find a commercial building with "heavy fire."

The department says this fire was deemed a working fire with a tanker alarm for water. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department, the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District, the Delta Fire Protection District, the East County Fire Protection District and the Gordonville Fire protection District helped on the scene. JAC3 Contracting was credited for heavy equipment that allowed a break in the building. The Chaffee Fire also used its airvan for help.

Fire fighters reported 50% of the building was saved.

Officials say no injuries were sustained in either fire thanks to the Scott City 911 Communications and the North Scott County Ambulance District.