Home Gas Explosion Sparks Fire in Washington County

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The investigation into a gas explosion continues after members of the Bismarck Fire Protection District were dispatched to assist the Irondale Fire Protection District with a residential structure fire at 9:36 a.m. Monday morning.

Upon arrival, crews found a single story home with smoke billowing from the basement. The Washington County Ambulance District was already on the scene, preparing to transport one burn victim to the hospital. Firefighters identified the source of the blaze in the basement and made a successful entry to extinguish the flames. Due to the nature of the incident, the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office and the Missouri Propane Safety Commission were called in to investigate the cause of the explosion and fire.

The Potosi Fire Protection District, Desloge Fire Department, Big River Fire Protection, and the Farmington Fire Department assisted with the blaze. Meanwhile, the Pilot Knob Fire Protection District and Leadington Fire Department were placed on standby to provide coverage for Bismarck and Desloge during the response.