No one injured in Benton, Mo., fire Sunday

BENTON, Mo. -- No one was injured when fire destroyed one home, two vehicles and several outbuildings near Benton on Sunday afternoon.

About 1 p.m., a grass fire erupted at 339 Shady Branch Road, then spread to a nearby home, said NBC Fire Protection District Capt. David Wilhelm.

The occupant of the home escaped without injury, Wilhelm said.

About 50 firefighters in 20 fire trucks from eight departments responded to the blaze. Firefighters had to battle the fire in shifts because of the extreme heat, Wilhelm said. The high temperature in Cape Girardeau was 97 Sunday.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire at about 2:20 p.m., he said.

The blaze was ruled an accidental fire.

"We advise everybody not to burn for at least the next 10 days. It's going to be 100 degrees," Wilhelm said.

Pertinent address:

339 Shady Branch Road, Benton, Mo.