Firefighters battle icy conditions in early morning structure fire

(Jan. 20, 2025) - Just before 8 a.m., on Jan. 20, Cassville Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief James Dodson was at Central View Market and was made aware of a large plume of black smoke north and west of the market.

Dodson immediately called dispatch to request the South Group automatic aid while he investigated the source of the smoke and locating a fully involved residential fire.

Tankers and manpower were quickly requested from Cassville and NorthEnd volunteer fire departments. Members operated for over two hours, ensuring the fire was contained to the crawl space. The home was vacant at the time of the fire. 

Central View Deputy Chief Thomas Steele praised the volunteers saying, “We are thankful that these men and women were willing to be out in the dangerous cold to serve their neighbors while taking time away from their work and families.”

Also on scene were the following organizations: Doyle Volunteer Fire Department, NorthEnd Volunteer Fire Department, Cassville Volunteer Fire Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, White County Emergency Medical Service, Caney Fork Electric Co-Op, and Quebeck-Walling Utility District.

 “I would also like to extend a very special thank you to Barbara McCulley and Abby McCulley for braving the cold bringing and serving hot chocolate to our members who were working this incident,” said Deputy Chief Steele.