House fire in Carthage, State Fire Marshal assists investigation

Just before 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, reports of a fire in the 600 block of Sophia alerted E-911. Carthage Fire Dept, Carthage Police and Mercy Ambulance responded. Neighbors tell us on scene that black smoke was coming from the windows. Carthage firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly. No residents were home and no pets. No injuries to any first responders either. The Missouri State Fire Marshal was summoned to assist with the investigation, which is protocol. Firefighters remained on scene about 90 minutes.
KOAM-TV CBS 7 Joplin/Pittsburg

Semi-truck destroyed by fire on Highway 61 in Ralls County, no injuries reported

First responders responded to reports to a semi-truck on fire on Highway 61, just north of New London, Mo. late Saturday evening, May 11. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. Troopers say upon arrival, they saw a semi and trailer fully engulfed in flames. Highway Patrol says the investigation led them to believe that the fire was caused by mechanical failure, particularly the brakes locking up. The driver told troopers they smelled smoke right before the fire started and pulled over on the side of the road. The semi went up in flames shortly after, completely destroying both the truck and the trailer. MSHP says the driver of the semi was out of the vehicle at the time and no one was injured. The Ralls County Sheriff's Office, New London Police Department, New London Fire Department, and Ralls County Ambulance all assisted with the incident.
KHQA-TV CBS/ABC 7 Quincy

Boone County’s emergency management on standby as severe weather season begins

Severe weather season has already brought a fair share of damaging storms to Missouri, even in the infant stages of the season. While Boone County has not seen many reports of severe weather yet this season, the Office of Emergency Management in Boone County says they remain on standby for the risk. The Boone County Emergency Management office sits on the northern side of Columbia, with the Boone County Jail and Sheriff's office, and is the base of operations for receiving 911 calls and dispatching, issuing information to the public and National Weather Service in Boone County, and other necessary information vital for public safety. The office consists of 9 individuals, says deputy director Jacob Waller, each with their own personal responsibility ranging from damage mitigation and recovery, to conducting training exercises with first responders.
KRCG-TV CBS 13 Jefferson City

Kansas City airport hosts 100+ volunteers for full-scale emergency drill

VIDEO: In the event a plane crash should happen at the Kansas City International Airport, a full-scale exercise has taken place to ensure employees are prepared. On Thursday, May 9, travel officials said the Kansas City International Airport hosted a full-scale emergency exercise simulation of a plane crash to help employees prepare. Airport officials indicated that the drill was a chance to evaluate the team’s response in case of an emergency. The drill was meant to be as realistic as possible with more than 100 volunteers who played “victims.” The airport noted that this type of full-scale exercise takes place every three years to make sure everyone is on the same page and ready to go. One volunteer said this gives passengers a sense of relief.
KCTV CBS 5 Kansas City

Webb City firefighter retires after 40 years of service

VIDEO: After more than four decades of dedicated service, Jackie Clark, a stalwart of the Webb City fire department, is set to retire next week. His portrait, a fixture on the station's wall among the current crew, will soon find its place among those of his retired comrades. Reflecting on his imminent retirement, Clark shares, "It's scary and exciting at the same time. It's like if anything's going to happen, usually, it happens in the last few days." But Clark doesn't have too many reasons to be superstitious -- his very first day of work fell on a Friday the 13th, for example. However, amidst the challenges and occasional haunting memories, such as the desperate cries for help that still echo in his mind, Clark's career has been marked by remarkable successes and poignant moments.
KOAM-TV CBS 7 Joplin/Pittsburg

Follow-Up: Wentzville man credited for saving neighbors’ lives after waking them out of their sleep during fire

A Wentzville man is being commended for jumping into action moments before his neighbor's home caught on fire. He banged on their door, waking them up and getting them to safety just in time. Thirty-four-year-old Glwoan Lee was walking his dog at 11 at night when he knew he had to act. At the time, he noticed a glimmer of light behind a home. He initially thought it was a bonfire. "I was like 'OK, Monday night, bonfire, no music, nobody's outside. It's kind of weird,” Lee said. So he got a little closer. "That's when I saw the fire right next to the building flaming up and I called 911 immediately." He banged on his neighbor's door and windows until they finally woke up. "At first, the gentlemen answered the door. He was pretty mad. He was like 'What do you want?'" he said. “I told him 'hurry up. your house is on fire. Hurry up. Get everyone out'."
KSDK-TV NBC 5 St. Louis