Home Destroyed by Fire Near Adair County Line
By Echo Menges
Knox County, Missouri – Volunteer firefighters responded to a house fire in Knox County last week, on Thursday, March 4, 2021. This fire marked the third devastating structure fire in as many weeks in Knox County.
The Hurdland Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the home of Glen and Victoria Pruett on the western edge of Knox County on Liberty Avenue, which is southwest of Hurdland. Firefighters were dispatched at 3:25 p.m., according to HVFD Assistant Firechief Tom Boatman.
“My dad came outside and went back in and it was on fire,” said daughter Kelly Pruett- Norton. “He called 9-1-1 and they put him on hold.”
HVFD arrived 16 minutes later to find flames coming out of either side of the roof and the interior fully engulfed by flames.
Volunteers from the Baring, Edina and Novelty/Plevna Volunteer Fire Departments also responded, each carrying more water.
“They tried everything they could,” said Pruett- Norton.
Firefighters pumped water from a nearby pond to keep the firefight going, however, the structure was too far gone and the Pruett’s home was completely destroyed.
“Everything is gone except for some siding and the tin roof,” said Boatman.
“They lived in that house for 24-years,” said Pruett-Norton. “It was heartbreaking. I was 12 when we moved out there. So it is my childhood home. My parents worked hard to get that house and to watch it burn was hard.”
The fire began in the chimney flue and will not be investigated by a State Fire Marshal.
“I believe the property was insured,” said Boatman.
The HVFD inquired about the homeowner being placed on hold after calling 9-1-1.
“When they called 9-1- 1, they went to the Adair County dispatch. They had to be put on hold to transfer them to the Macon County Dispatch Center. We looked into it and addressed it the next morning,” said Boatman.
Immediately following the fire, the community worked together to furnish the Pruett’s with much needed clothing.
“I’m grateful everyone was okay. I’ve seen so much good from people that have helped my folks. God’s blessings have been so wonderful,” said Pruett-Norton.
The Pruett’s still need things like blankets, linens and household supplies. Anyone with items to donate can contact Kelly Pruett- Norton at: (660)216- 2950.
Also, a Go-Fund- Me account has been set up to assist the Pruett’s with monetary donations. Those who wish to donate funds can find the account online at: https://gofund. me/81cbcd79.
