Authorities think Bollinger County fire may be suspicious

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A Monday night fire in Bollinger County appears suspicious, but officials are having a tough time deciphering what happened because the blaze was so destructive.

Around 8:30 p.m. Monday, firefighters responded to a fire at a vacant home on Highway 34 less than a mile west of Route U near Marble Hill. When firefighters appeared on the scene, the house was fully engulfed, Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath said. The house had been vacant for some time, had no electricity running to it and was being repossessed. No one was injured, and the building was a total loss.

McElrath said the extreme heat and speed of the fire make it suspicious, but the fire also left little behind for investigators. McElrath said officials have turned to nearby residents to help.

"We're putting our ear to the ground now and seeing if anyone saw anything suspicious," he said.

Pertinent address:

Highway 34 and Route U, Marble Hill, MO