Fatal House Fire
(see photos at firstcapitolnews-today.blogspot.com)
At approximately 3:45 pm on Thursday, March 30 St. Charles fire received a call of a mulch fire in the 2900 block of McArthur. Then the call came in that the home was in flames. Before arriving on the scene they received another call that a person was trapped..
Upon arrival they immediately found heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence. They began search and rescue but could not enter from the front door because the floor had collapsed. Entry was made through the garage and they discovered the victim, a 84 year old female resident of the home, in the kitchen. As they were attempting to remove the woman, who was later pronounced dead, the floor collapsed and four firemen and the victim fell through the floor into the basement.
They were able to remove the victim through a basement window. None of the firemen reported any injuries.
The First Capitol News learned that the victim had only been living there for several months and was sharing the home with her son and his wife.
Captain Dan Casey, public information officer for the St. Charles Fire Department, told gathered reporters that mulch can start on fire from internal combustion. It has not been determined what caused the fire. It is being investigated by fire officials and St. Charles Police Investigators. It appeared that new mulch had recently been distributed throughout the area.
Firefighters from St. Charles, Cottleville, Central County and Pattonville responded.
