Man reported dead after crews respond to Independence house fire; investigation underway
One person was reported dead after a house fire Thursday afternoon in Independence.
Just before noon, firefighters from five stations responded to the blaze in the 20200 block of 17th Street Court North in Independence.
A caller said someone was inside and unable to get out, said Officer Matt McLaughlin with the Independence Police Department.
Fire crews arrived at 12:04 p.m., followed by police. A man in his 40s was located inside. Crews moved him outside to the yard and attempted to resuscitate him “until efforts were eventually terminated,” said Assistant Fire Chief Craig DuPlantis.
A dog also died in the fire.
Prior to the arrival of the fire department, DuPlantis said a friend of the victim had come by the house and saw smoke. The friend entered the house, but was not able to waken the man. The friend went to a neighbor for help and they reentered the house, but were still unable to remove the victim.
“Heroic, although I would caution people not to attempt that,” DuPlantis said.
Around 12:45 p.m., the fire was under control and an investigation was started, the City of Independence posted on social media.
#IndepFireBrief - At 11:59 AM, crews from Stations 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and mutual aid responded to a reported building fire in the 20200 block of 17th St. Ct. N. Smoke was showing on arrival. Fire is now under control and investigation has started. 1/2
— @cityofIndepmo (@CityOfIndepMO) June 30, 2022
