Fire at Hulbert House knocked down quickly; Fire Chief warns public to take smoke alarms seriously

BOONVILLE- Following an incident Monday that "could have been much worse," a local fire chief has issued a firm reminder for folks when they hear smoke alarms.

It was sometime after 5:00 p.m. when Boonville Fire Department was dispatched to an alarm at the Hulbert House. It's reported by Chief Pritchard Jr. that crews doused what he called a contents fire in Room 211.

When asked how the fire sparked, Chief Pritchard Jr. told us the individual, who was in the process of moving into the apartment above the taproom, left some items on top of the stove, including a box.

Somehow the stove turned on, which in turn caused a chain reaction fire from the box, the wall and then the room.

Fortunately, a swift response by the fire department prevented any further spread. "It potentially could have been very serious," the Fire Chief told us.

The building was evacuated while firefighters worked the scene. With that being said, Chief Pritchard Jr. has a stern warning for members of the public - and that is to take smoke alarms seriously. 

While firefighters worked their way to the source of this fire, Chief Pritchard Jr. says there were still people remaining in neighboring rooms despite the smoke alarms blaring. 

"When smoke detectors go off, don't take it for granted. Get out and call 9-1-1," the Fire Chief stressed. 

There were no injuries reported. Boonville Fire Department and Ambulance were the primary and only responders to this incident. 

Generic Hulbert House image by Brian Trainor.