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The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.
Published March 25, 2026
GRAVOIS MILLS – Three homes were damaged with one being a total loss in a Sunday afternoon fire.
Last Sunday at approximately 3:48 p.m., the Gravois Fire Protection District (GFPD) responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 400 block of Southview Drive.
The first arriving unit was on scene within 10 minutes and reported heavy fire conditions on the lake side and right side of the residence, with an adjacent home already threatened and showing heat damage.
Firefighters quickly deployed hand lines and began an aggressive fire attack and exposure protection to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Due to the rural setting, a water supply was established utilizing the nearby boat ramp and an aerial apparatus was placed into service.
During operations, a mechanical failure occurred with the primary supply engine, requiring crews to transition water supply operations to a fireboat.
Firefighters utilized available resources, including onboard tank water, to maintain fire suppression efforts during the transition.
Reports were received of additional nearby structures being threatened.
Crews rapidly repositioned and were able to limit damage to two neighboring homes, which sustained only minor damage to exterior deck areas.
Despite the efforts of responding crews, the primary residence - a full-time occupied home - was a total loss.
A total of 23 personnel operated on scene with multiple apparatus, including a ladder truck, engine, tankers, squad, fireboats and a medic unit.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, The Versailles Rural Fire Protection District, the Northwest Fire Protection District and Lake West Ambulance District.
“We would also like to thank Co-Mo Electric Cooperative for securing power to the structure and Morgan County Communications for their coordination during the incident,” a GFPD spokesman said..
The fire has been classified as undetermined at this time.
The district said they are aware of comments circulating regarding the cause of the fire; however, there is no confirmed information supporting claims that it was caused by burning leaves.
“We ask the public to avoid sharing unverified information,” the spokesman said. “Our thoughts are with the homeowner during this time.”
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