NEW BLOOMFIELD - A Sunday afternoon fire heavily damaged a home in the 100 block of Maple Street and left an occupant with minor burns.
The New Bloomfield and Holts Summit Fire Protection Districts were called to respond at 4:50 p.m. after residents observed smoke and flame showing from the residence. New Bloomfield Fire Chief Travis Bell said the blaze was brought under control within five minutes.
"We had just gotten done training at the fire house, which is about half a block away," Bell said. "We were putting the truck back in the station when the call came out, so I had seven or eight guys right there ready to go."
The three-member family living there had left the home briefly and returned to find it burning. One went back inside after calling emergency services in an attempt to stop the flames, but she sustained some burns to her hand before fleeing.
Bell said the home was heavily damaged by fire towards the front of the structure, while the rear half of the building sustained smoke damage. No cause has been reported at this time.
Two volunteers with the American Red Cross Heart of Missouri chapter met with the displaced family Monday to provide immediate emergency needs including financial support for food and clothing, hygiene kits and referrals to local agencies. The family is staying with relatives in the area.