Sikeston house fire ruled as arson

At 11:23 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire at 135 Third St. in Sikeston. The residence received heavy fire and smoke damage, and the cause was determined to have been arson, according to Sikeston DPS. It remains under investigation by the Sikeston Fire Marshal Office. (Sikeston DPS photo)

SIKESTON — A fire that heavily damaged a Sikeston home Tuesday, July 4 has been ruled as arson and remains under investigation.

At 11:23 a.m. Tuesday, Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire at 135 Third St., according to Capt. Derick Wheetley, fire division commander for DPS. Upon arrival, officers reported heavy fire in the rear of the residence and struck a second alarm. Engine 1, Tower 1 and Ladder 3 responded along with off-duty personnel.

“The first arriving crews went into attack operations and were able get the fire under control within 15 minutes,” Wheetley said. “Crews remained on scene for a little under two hours dealing with hot spots.”

At 11:23 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire at 135 Third St. in Sikeston. The residence received heavy fire and smoke damage, and the cause was determined to have been arson, according to Sikeston DPS. It remains under investigation by the Sikeston Fire Marshal Office. (Sikeston DPS photo)

The residence received heavy fire and smoke damage, Wheetley said.

“The cause was determined to have been arson and is under investigation by the Sikeston Fire Marshal Office,” Wheetley said. “No other information is being given at this time.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Sikeston DPS at 573-471-6200.

“We would like to thank South Scott County Ambulance District, Morehouse Fire Department and Scott County Rural Fire Protection District and Miner Fire Department for their response and help with the incident and coverage of the city,” Wheetley said.