‘Likely the largest structure fire to occur’: No injuries and multiple building loss reported in Cameron fire
Leah Rainwater
CAMERON, Mo. (KQTV) — No injuries were reported in a multi-structure fire in Cameron, Missouri Tuesday.
Cameron Police Department Captain Ryan O’Boyle said a call came in around 2 p.m. Tuesday for a structure fire on West Third Street.
Police arrived on scene at 2:02 p.m. and the Cameron Fire Department arrived at 2:04 p.m.
Smoke and flames were still seen across the city, over six hours later.
O’Boyle said the fire caused a complete loss to several buildings, which included businesses and the apartments above them.
A news release from the Cameron Police and Emergency Management said, “This was likely the largest structure fire to occur in Cameron in the past 20 years.”
O’Boyle said the fire wouldn’t have been contained without the help of several other surrounding fire agencies, as an incident of this magnitude could not have been managed by one department alone.
“It was a great effort though…Had multiple agencies from all around. (Central) DeKalb County, St. Joe, of course, the Cameron Fire Department,” said O’Boyle. “They had seven total that showed up.”
The Osborn Fire Protection District, the Hamilton Fire Department, Union Star Fire Department, Clarksdale Fire Department, Sweartsville Fire Department and KAW Fire District also assisted in the mutual aid response.
O’Boyle said the fire was about 95% contained just before 8:30 p.m.
All animals, including an iguana, multiple cats and multiple dogs were also accounted for.
The news release detailed that the Cameron Utility and Street crews played a vital role throughout the incident, while additional law enforcement agencies provided traffic control, barricades and helped keep onlookers safe at a distance.
During the response, Cameron Police and Emergency Management said businesses and organizations like Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and others provided supplies.
“A huge thank you to…local businesses and community members who stepped up with food, drinks, handwarmers and other supplies to help take care of crews on scene,” said the news release.
The Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on its Facebook page about the incident.
“Our hearts are heavy as the impact of the fire on 3rd Street continues. We are keeping the business owners, employees and families affected in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Cameron United Methodist Church also said, as of 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, the families affected by the fire are working with the Red Cross, and a list of needs is being compiled.
The church said it will post a list on its Facebook page and other places when it becomes available.
Other individuals and organizations are also working on collecting items for those affected by the fire.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
KQ2 will provide updates as they become available, a complete list of responding agencies will also be provided as well.
