On Sunday afternoon, a detached garage measuring 30 feet by 40 feet, located on the Rodney Carpenter property situated on the 10,000 block of Rileyville Road in rural Dix, sustained significant fire damage.
Upon arrival, Kell Fire Department personnel reported observing heavy flames emanating from the rear of the structure and substantial smoke engulfing the entire building. They swiftly established two attack lines, effectively deploying them from diverse positions to extinguish the fire rapidly.
Given the close proximity of the garage to the residence, a mere eight feet separating the two structures, a request for mutual aid was issued as a precautionary measure. Fire departments from Salem, Mt. Vernon, and Jefferson provided assistance at the scene, while Centralia Fire District and Iuka Fire Department personnel manned the Kell Fire House to ensure readiness for any potential additional emergencies.
The fire’s origin is suspected to be embers carried by wind from a fire pit situated approximately 15 feet from the garage. Firefighters reported the destruction of lawnmowers stored within the building. Additionally, a propane tank located inside the garage ignited; however, firefighters successfully removed it from the structure, thereby mitigating the situation.
The emergency call regarding the fire was received at approximately 2:00 pm on Sunday, and firefighters remained on the scene for an estimated one and a half hours.