Leaving the stove on results in Hannibal house fire

Hannibal, Mo. — The Hannibal Fire Department responded with eight on-duty firefighters to a
structure fire at 801 S. Hayden Sunday night after a stove was accidentally left on and unattended, causing a fire to ignite.

Firefighters were able to quickly contain the flames and prevent further damage.

Just after 7:40 p.m., emergency dispatch received a call reporting smoke coming from
the residence. Crews arrived on scene within minutes and immediately encountered flames and
smoke coming from the front and side of the residence. The fire was quickly brought under
control, with firefighters containing it in approximately fifteen minutes from arrival. Firefighters
were on scene conducting salvage and overhaul for about an hour.

No injuries were reported at the scene, and all occupants of the home were safely evacuated prior
to the fire department’s arrival. The fire caused major damage to the kitchen and living room area but was otherwise limited due to the quick response from the fire department.

Fire investigators from the Hannibal Fire Department, Hannibal Police Department, and Missouri
State Fire Marshal’s office were called in to investigate. Upon completion of the investigation,
the fire is being ruled accidental due to leaving the stove on and unattended.

The Hannibal Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Hannibal Police Department, Hannibal Board of Public Works, Marion County Ambulance District, and the American Red Cross.