Heavy Smoke Prevents MO Neighbors' Valiant Attempt to Save Toddler

Neighbors tried valiantly to rescue a toddler from a mobile home fire but were driven back by heavy smoke.

High Ridge Fire District Chief John Barton praised them for rescue efforts, FOX2 reported.

“When we received the report of the fire, we also were reported to be with rescue. One victim was located inside the building. There was an adult female and a child outside the building, and another child was still inside when we arrived on the scene.".

The chief added: “Our first truck arrived, and there were neighbors with a garden house, and extinguisher trying to put out the fire in the front of the building which where they believed the child was, We had heavy fire coming from the front door of the structure and one of the rooms. The windows were broken out, and we had fire coming out the windows. A lot of neighbors did everything they could to try and assist, but unfortunately, the fire just spread too rapidly.”

Chris Kelly, one of the neighbors told reporters: “Black, dark smoke from the ground to the ceiling. At one point, the floor gave in, and there was a backdraft, and I backed out, and it was too late.”

The 5-year-old child and the mother were transported to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation. The three-year-old perished.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were thanking nearby neighbors for their efforts as those same folks were working to secure the mobile home.