ST. PETERS (KMOX) -- Investigators are still looking into three fires that happened within 24 hours in St. Peters this week.The area's assistant fire chief says it could have been worse -- but it appeared most of the victims had a plan ahead of time, one family was out waiting on the driveway when crews first arrived."This allowed firefighters to immediately go into fire extinguishment mode, which helped prevent additional damage and cause unnecessary harm," Central County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Steve Brown told KMOX."The families knew what to do in case of a fire. They were able to get out safely and met the firefighters at the front of their driveway as they arrived."That fire, on Plum Leaf Circle late Monday night, started in the attic -- the home was filled with smoke when crews entered but the fire was hidden in the walls and in the attic. 23 firefighters got it under control in about five minutes, but it caused an estimated $60,000 in damage.Less than a half hour later, an electrical fire caused about $12,000 in damage on JaqMar Court. The flames were behind the laundry room wall -- the home's electrical system was either damaged or faulty.Earlier Monday, a man who left his stovetop unattended to let the dog out and smoke a cigarette called 911 before putting the fire out himself. When crews arrived they found a cast iron pan sitting atop a shattered stove, the microwave and surrounding cabinets were damaged by flames. They checked behind cabinets and walls to make sure the flames hadn't spread.Brown's advice here? Don't leave the stove unattended.No one was injured in any of these incidents.© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved.
After 3 fires in St. Peters in 24 hours, fire dept. offers preventative tips
By Alex DegmanFeb 07, 2020
