 |
| This July 5 fire on Lake Rd. 5-36 was started by fireworks, according to Fire Marshal Dave Owens. |
|
| This July 5 fire on Lake Rd. 5-36 was started by fireworks, according to Fire Marshal Dave Owens. |
By Amy Wilson/WestSide Star
LAKE OF THE OZARKS — After further investigation,
the “careless usage of fireworks” has been listed as the possible ignition
source of a Sunrise Beach fire on Tomahawk Drive, off Lake Road 5-36, which
burned down the lakefront house of Mack Porter of Kearney, Mo. on the morning of
July 5.
The fire was classified as accidental. Missouri State Fire Marshal Dave Owens
said in his report that there was no evidence of an incendiary act or of a
natural cause.
This report also stated, “During the scene examination, it was noted that a
large amount of spent firework debris was visible on the ground surrounding the
scene. The spent fireworks were also visible on the roofs of the covered docks
in front of and adjacent to the scene.”
The residence was empty after guests reportedly left about 4 p.m. July 4.
No one was injured in the fire.
On that Wednesday morning neighbors across the cove at the 36MM first noticed
the fire, and at 6:03 a.m., they called for 911. A Sunrise Beach Fire boat
arrived first on the scene to a fully-involved fire at 6:18 a.m. According to
Sunrise Beach Fire Chief John Suellentrop, flames were shooting out the roof
when firefighters arrived.
By 10 a.m., he said the bulk of the fire was out, but firefighters remained on
the scene until 11:30 a.m., finishing off the flames and making sure the
smoldering ashes did not reignite. A total of 12 firefighters responded with
three engines, four tankers, one rescue and the fire boat.
The house was a total loss with an estimated value of $100,000.