Division of Fire Safety investigates fatal late night fire in Howell County

HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. – Because of the extent of the damage, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety has listed the cause of a fatal fire that occurred in Howell County in extreme south central Missouri on Dec. 14 as undetermined.

The Peace Valley – White Church Volunteer Fire Department requested that the division investigate the residential fire at 7799 County Road 1940, near West Plains, Mo.

The fire was reported to 911 at 11:40 p.m. on Dec. 14. .

The bodies of two people were recovered in the residence. One of the victims had already been located when the DFS investigator arrived at the scene. The body of the second victim was located at about 4:58 a.m., following an extensive search. The bodies of the victims were released to the Howell County Coroner. DFS has requested autopsies be performed. No one else was injured in the fire.

The residence consisted of two attached single-wide mobile homes. The structure is considered a total loss.