09/04/2026
SUSPECTED UNAUTHORIZED BURNING LEADS TO MULTIPLE AGENCY FIRE RESPONSE…
At approximately 4:41pm yesterday, September 02, 2026, the Clinton Fire Department received an alarm for a reported structure fire in the area of Water St. & Gravel St. in Clinton. The on-duty crew of 6 personnel responded in two fire apparatus along with Fire Chief Mark Manuel and Deputy Chief Matt Willings.
First arriving crew members reported a residential structure, that was in the process of being demolished, completely engulfed in fire. In addition, a grass fire had started due to the structure fire that encompassed approximately 3 acres. A secondary structure, near the original structure on fire, was found to have the rear of the structure on fire as well as heavy fire involvement in the attic space. Two outbuildings, two recreational camping vehicles, as well as several piles of rubbish were also on fire.
Fire Chief Mark Manuel directed fire attack operations, requesting additional resources from incoming Clinton Fire Department personnel to include a brush truck for suppression of the grass fire and a tanker truck to supplement poor water supply issues in the area. The Clinton Police Department was requested to assist with crowd control and traffic control. In addition to local resources, assistance was requested from Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Ambulance for firefighter rehab as well as firefighting assistance from the Calhoun Fire Department and Deepwater Fire Department. The Missouri Department of Conservation was also requested to provide a dozer to assist with creating a fire break in the wooded area around the incident scene to prevent fire spread to other structures.
Fire crews battled the large, complex incident scene for approximately 8 hours. In addition to general hazards associated with a fire scene, firefighters also had to deal with extreme outdoor temperatures, making the scene very dangerous. One firefighter was taken to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital for dehydration and overexertion and has since been released for normal activities. Several other firefighters suspended operational duties due to heat exhaustion and other general health concerns associated with the extreme heat.
Due to the extent of damage created by the fire, an exact cause has not been determined at this time. As was initially reported, there was NO explosion that started this fire. The fire was believed to have started by an unauthorized burn which led to a grass fire that the resident could not control due to the extremely dry conditions. The quick spread of the grass fire ignited the exposed building components of the home being demolished, which burned very quickly.
The Clinton Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance at this large, complex incident: Clinton Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Ambulance, Ellet Memorial Hospital Ambulance, Calhoun Fire Department, Deepwater Fire Department, Henry County Emergency Management, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The quick response we received from these agencies, when requested, directly assisted in safely gaining control of this very dangerous incident, preventing any further damage to adjoining property and houses.
We would also like to thank the community members that offered water and other refreshments to personnel on scene. Specifically, one community member purchased pizza which was a welcome treat!
We would like to remind the community that the City of Clinton is currently under strict Outdoor Burning Restrictions. Outdoor burning of any kind is strictly prohibited. Person(s) found violating the restrictions will be issued a citation.
