JCFD’s investigation reveals Monday fire was electrical

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man is still working to rebuild his home after an electrical fire caused extensive damage Monday.

Jefferson City firefighters responded to reports of a house fire in the 1800 block of Mississippi Street on Monday morning. The department's investigation revealed "the more probable cause of the fire was electrical."

Six Jefferson City Fire Department units responded to the fire. According to the report, the back porch of the house received the most damage. JCFD reported it was able to determine the origin of the fire when they found a "v-pattern" directed towards the condenser.

"All the firefighters were awesome," homeowner Justin Wilson said. "They came back. They did thermal imaging on the house to make sure the fire was completely out.

"It's a big deal when you're going to work one day and you have a house to come home to; and then the next you don't."

Wilson said he and his brother have been working to clean up the debris.

"Me and my little brother have been doing most of the cleanup here," Wilson said. "We've been trying to scoop a lot of debris out."

Nobody was home during the fire aside from Wilson's best friend, his dog Ozzy.

Ozzy was rescued by two people who drove by the house.

"Those two guys were my heroes," Wilson said. "That dog is like my second kid to me"

Wilson said Ozzy is OK, but is still shaken up from the incident.

"He felt more at home and his anxiety levels wasn't nearly as high," he said. "So, I decided to pitch a tent here in the backyard and stay with him."

Wilson said he and Ozzy have been camping in the backyard after a few failed attempts at staying in a hotel.

Wilson said he is grateful for the response he has received from the community.

"The support from all my friends through Facebook, phone calls, everything and everybody's responses," It's kind of overwhelming."

One member of the fire department sustained minor injuries during the overhaul of the scene. JCFD Chief Matthew Schofield said the firefighter received treatment at an area hospital and has since returned back to work.

Schofield said you should always use caution and your best judgment when checking for people or animals in a house fire.

"Try to make sure that if there are people at home or pets, ...(if you can) you remove them from the area, you can do so safely," Schofield said.