Fire destroys Huntsville home

No persons were injured in a Saturday evening blaze that took the home, belongings and the family dog of William and Joyce Hollmann, 328 N. Main, Huntsville.

According to Chief Jeff Webster, Huntsville Fire Department, a call was received at 4:20 p.m. with firefighters arriving at 4:25 p.m. to find heavy smoke and extensive fire in the kitchen. The fire was eventually extinguished with the last Huntsville FD units leaving the scene at 12:20 a.m.

“An investigation as to the cause of the fire was conducted by an investigator from the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office and Huntsville Fire personnel,” said Webster. “It was determined the fire started in the immediate vicinity of the coffee maker.”

Webster said the family dog was lost, probably due to carbon monoxide inhalation. The monetary loss for the structure and contents is estimated between $100,000 and $200,000, according to Webster.

The Hollmanns were out of town at the time of the fire.

Webster said there were 27 firefighters on the scene. HFD was assisted by Higbee Area Fire Protection District with one engine, one light truck and seven personnel; Northeast R-IV/Cairo with one engine and seven personnel; Jacksonville Fire Department with one firefighter. Also assisting were Randolph County Ambulance District, Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, Huntsville Police Department, Huntsville FD Auxiliary and Randolph County Red Cross.