Kirksville Fire Department

The Kirksville Fire Department wants to update residents on a residential structure fire that occurred on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Kirksville Village apartment complex, 2118 E. Normal Avenue. Crews were dispatched at 12:55 p.m. and on scene at 12:59 p.m. Personnel from the Adair County Fire Department and La Plata Fire Department assisted. More than 20 individuals helped extinguish the fire. It was a large and significant fire, with crews on the scene until roughly 4:30 p.m.

The exact cause is still unknown but it is believed to be accidental. The fire started in the furnace room of an apartment where no one was home at the time. Most of the apartment units received damage from either fire, smoke or water. No individuals were injured.

The Kirksville Fire Department would like to remind residents of the importance of working smoke alarms. Having smoke alarms and performing routine maintenance such as testing batteries to ensure their functionality is crucial. Smoke alarms are proven and effective items to maximize survival.

Additionally, the Kirksville Fire Department encourages local renters to research renters insurance options. Incidents at rental units aren’t uncommon, so renters insurance is another asset that can help in the event of a fire.