From the City of West Plains:
WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Two people were transported to Ozarks Healthcare after a kitchen fire at a residence on McFarland Drive on the evening of March 10, according to the West Plains Fire Department.
The department responded to the reported structure fire at 9:27 p.m. Firefighters arrived on scene within approximately two minutes of dispatch and observed a fire that had originated on a kitchen stove.
Crews quickly initiated fire suppression efforts and were able to contain the fire to the kitchen and living room areas of the residence. The home sustained minor fire and smoke damage.
A 38-year-old female and a 14-year-old female were transported by EMS to Ozarks Healthcare for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation. No updated condition report is available at this time.
The West Plains Fire Department was assisted on scene by Howell County Rural Fire, South Howell County Ambulance and the City of West Plains Utilities.
Fire officials remind residents that cooking-related incidents remain one of the leading causes of residential fires. The department encourages residents to follow several basic safety practices while cooking:
- Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
• Keep flammable items such as towels, paper products and oven mitts away from heat sources.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent them from being accidentally knocked over.
• Keep a lid nearby while cooking to help smother small grease fires.
Officials also emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home and inside or near sleeping areas. Residents should test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed to ensure they function properly in the event of an emergency.
