DesotoExplorer.com / Fire forces family from De Soto home

Archive for Wednesday, January 23, 2008

January 23, 2008

An early morning fire Tuesday has temporarily left a De Soto couple without a home.

Johnson County Rural Fire District No. 3 operations manager Mark Billquist said a fire at the home of William and Charlotte Grimshaw, 11070 Moonlight Terrace, caused moderate damage to the home but left it without power.

The fire district, the De Soto Fire Department and Johnson County Rural Fire District No. 1 responded to the call at about 6:42 a.m. Tuesday and arrived on the scene at 6:56 a.m., Billquist said.

The fire appeared to have been caused by a faulty water heater that allowed gas and heat to escape into and ignite in the walls, Billquest said. Firefighters located the hidden fire with thermal-imaging devices, he said.

"There really wasn't much showing," he said. "We had to peel back the walls to locate the fire."

The incident commander reported the situation in control at 7:58 a.m., Billquest said.

Although the fire didn't appear to be related to the cold snap, people should remember to consider safety when taking measures to fight the chill, Billquest said.

"We're very fortunate there hasn't been any house fires or structure fires, He said. "It's a good reminder for people to exercise caution with their heating and appliances."