38 residents evacuated in apartment fire; no injuries to residents reported

Joplin firefighters and Missouri Southern State University police evacuated 38 people Wednesday night at an apartment house fire in northeast Joplin that damaged six apartments.

There were no injuries to residents. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

The department was notified of the blaze at 9:48 p.m. at the Northpark Apartments, 3516 Newman Road.

Firefighters first on the scene found a three-story, 24-unit apartment building with what they described as significant fire involvement on the third floor and in the attic, the department reported.

While residents were evacuated to safety, those fighting the fire were able to confine it to the south end of the apartment building involving six apartments.

The fire was under control in about an hour, but firefighters and assisting authorities remained on the scene until 2:15 a.m.

Authorities contacted to Red Cross to provide those displaced by the fire with temporary housing.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Joplin fire marshal.

The fire department and MSSU police were assisted by the Joplin Police Department, the Duenweg Fire Department and METS Ambulance.