At about 3:20 a.m. Sunday, units from the Osage Beach Fire Protection District responded to a reported residential structure fire at 17 Nichols Road in Miller County.
Upon arrival, units found a one-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing from the rear of the structure.
The occupants apparently were awakened by the fire and escaped prior to the arrival of fire units. However, firefighters saved two family pets that were still inside.
Because of the weather conditions, high winds and large area of fire, additional fire units were requested from Mid County Fire Protection District, Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District and Brumley Fire Protection District.
It took firefighters about an hour to bring the structure fire under control and another hour to bring the natural cover fire under control. Crews were on scene for three hours.
About 23 personnel with 12 pieces of apparatus from the Lake of the Ozarks area responded to the incident. Osage Beach Fire Protection District units were assisted by Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, Mid County Fire Protection District, Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, Brumley Fire Protection District, Miller County Sheriff Department and Miller County Ambulance.
Investigation determined the natural cover fire spread to the structure. The cause of the natural cover fire is under investigation.
Damage to the structure is listed at $35,000. One of the occupants was checked at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation, but the individual declined treatment. Two occupants were displaced by the fire and will stay with relatives.