SCOTT CITY HOME BURNS

SCOTT CITY -- A wood stove is being blamed for a house fire that nearly destroyed the Scott City home of a woman and her three children Thursday afternoon.

Scott City Fire Department Deputy Chief Bill Crump said Thursday that preliminary investigations revealed the fire began in or around a first floor wood stove and spread quickly to the attic of the house, located at 713 Chestnut.

The attic, which had been converted into living quarters, was completely destroyed. Half of the first floor was always damaged extensively, Crump said.

Firefighters from Scott City and Cape Girardeau responded to the alarm, which was sounded shortly after noon when a passerby came into the Scott City police station to report the fire.

No one was hurt in the fire, though one Scott City firefighter, Cpt. Terry Gettings, was slightly injured during the overhaul stage when firefighters go through the debris looking for possible hot spots. Gettings, who strained his back, was treated and released from Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Crump said that the family, Cindy McClellan and her children, lost most of their belongings in the fire.

Those wishing to make contributions of clothing, food or household items to the McClellans may contact the Scott City Ministerial Alliance through the police department, Crump said.