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 June 3, 2026

Several pets die in fire

GRAVOIS MILLS – No humans were injured in an early morning fire last Sunday but several pets were.

Last Sunday at 4:09 a.m., units from the Gravois Fire Protection District were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Mini Farm Drive.

Initial information received by dispatch indicated the fire was located in the basement of the residence.

The first unit arrived on scene at 4:28 a.m. and confirmed that all occupants were out of the house. They also reported light smoke showing from the basement and first floor of the structure.

Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack, however, challenging interior conditions made it difficult for crews to safely access the fire area.

Crews were withdrawn from the structure and a transitional fire attack was conducted through a basement window.

This tactic allowed firefighters to quickly reduce fire conditions and safely continue suppression efforts.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 5:00 a.m.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, unfortunately, several family pets were unable to escape the fire and perished.

The Gravois Fire Protection District extends its condolences to the homeowners as they cope with the loss of their animals and the damage caused by this incident.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Following their investigation, the cause of the fire has been classified as undetermined.

Assisting in the incident were:

A total of nine emergency response units and 14 personnel operated at the scene.

Additional agencies assisting included Mid-Mo Ambulance District, Co-Mo Electric Cooperative and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“The Gravois Fire Protection District would like to thank our mutual aid partners and supporting agencies for their assistance and continued commitment to serving the residents of the Lake Area,” said Chief Dustin Hancock.

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