Early morning house fire in Joplin with a person trapped inside

On Friday, December 4, 2020, at 3:43 AM, the Joplin Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1730 S Picher. The first crew arrived at 3:48 AM to find a single-story wood frame single family residence with heavy smoke and fire showing. Initial reports from dispatch to fire units was that there was someone currently trapped inside. Crews entered the structure and were able to locate and remove the person and provided first-aid that person was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two other residents were able to escape and were also transported to a local hospital. Crews were able to re-enter, and extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 4:26 AM. Crews remained on scene until 6:07 AM for overhaul.

Unfortunately that man 68-year-old David Crowder died at a local hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained as a result of the fire.
The Joplin Police department has opened a death investigation. The Joplin Fire Department responded with 9 units and 21 personnel. The Fire Department was assisted by METS Ambulance Service and the Joplin Police Department. There no injuries to firefighting personnel. Three civilians were transported to a local hospital