Fireworks lead to Hannibal house fire

HANNIBAL, Mo. An errant firework led to a house fire on Friday, according to the Hannibal Fire Department.

At about 2:15 p.m., HFD was dispatched to 923 Center for a report of a structure fire. All stations responded with eight on duty crew members and an additional 17 off-duty firefighters responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, fire and smoke was coming from the roof and rear window of the four-plex structure. It was reported there were possibly residents still inside the structure, but firefighters did a primary search and determined that everyone was out of the building.   

Crews set up aerial apparatus to protect neighboring structures and Firefighters began an offensive attack but met heavy smoke and fire conditions. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack for a short period of time and then were quickly able to transition back to an offensive attack. 

The fire was under control in about 30 minutes, but the entire structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage.  

One person was transported to Hannibal Regional Hospital by Marion County Ambulance District and the residents of all four units were displaced by the fire. 

The incident was investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office and the Hannibal Police Department. The fire was ruled accidental by fireworks.   

Hannibal Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Hannibal Police Department, Hannibal Board of Public Works, Marion County Ambulance District, Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, The American Red Cross, and the Hannibal Building Inspector.