3 firefighters hurt in Warrensburg blaze fueled by explosion

WARRESNBURG, Mo. - Three firefighters suffered minor injuries late Monday fighting a blaze fueled by explosions at a Warrensburg apartment building.

According to the a statement from Warrensburg Fire Chief Phil Johnston, the fire started around 10 p.m. Monday in the building, in the 400 block of Jefferson, when a resident fell asleep while smoking.

At least one explosion occurred when oxygen containers caught fire, Johnston said.

One of the explosions reportedly could be heard as far as three miles away.

Johnston said the fire started on the third floor and spread quickly to the attic.

Nobody in the four families living in the multi-residence home was injured, but two firefighters sprained their ankle and a third had a medical problem made worse by exposure to heat and smoke.

All three firefighters were treated and released, Johnston said.