Home destroyed, fireman injured in Gideon fire

GIDEON, Mo — A family’s home was destroyed and a fireman injured in a fire Saturday morning.

At 9:50 a.m. Saturday, April 1, the Portageville Fire Department was requested for mutual aid on Highway 162, west of the floodways near Gideon.

On the scene, Portageville firefighters found a single-story home fully involved with heavy smoke blowing across Highway 162. Gideon, Clarkton, Wardell, Malden and Marston tanker trucks were called in to assist. Also the New Madrid County Emergency Management was on the scene to assist with incident command.

Although the scene was well marked and personnel were directing traffic, a member of the Portageville Fire Department was struck on the side of Highway 162 by a vehicle. The fireman did not sustain any serious injuries.

Authorities urged drivers that when approaching an active emergency scene, they should slow down and put their phones down. If at all possible drivers should avoid the area.

The home was a complete loss, according to a report from Portageville Fire and Rescue.