Fire Claims Anderson Couple

NEW YEAR S EVE BLAZE DESTROYS MOBILE HOME...

A New Year's Eve fire east of Anderson claimed the lives of a husband and wife who were apparently asleep when the fire broke out in their mobile home on Spring Hill road, just south of Thief Hollow Road.

The victims were identified as Keith W. Blevins, 50, and his wife, Terri L. Blevins, 57.

According to Anderson Fire Chief Shelby Turner, his department received the call at 11:32 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. He said the structure was fully involved upon arrival.

Turner said the fire has been ruled accidental, but the cause remains undetermined. He said there was no gas or wood stove in use. He said the remains of a space heater was found which he said was the probable cause of the fire.

The fire was investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, but Turner said due to the total loss of the structure, the investigator could not make a determination of the cause.

McDonald County Coroner B. J. Goodwin said the cause of death was smoke inhalation.

The Anderson Fire Department was assisted by the Pineville Fire Department.

Jane Fire

A fire Jan. 5 at a mobile home on Meadowlark Lane in the Jane area was confined to the front bedroom through the efforts of the White Rock and Pineville fire departments though other areas of the residence sustained smoke and water damage.

The homeowner (name unavailable as of press time) was at home at the time of the fire. Gregg Sweeten, Pineville fire chief, said the fire is believed to have started due to an electrical problem.

No injuries were reported.

General News on 01/09/2014