Fire destroys home in St. Clair County, Mo.

Friends and neighbors responded in a big way after a fire destroyed a couple’s home on Friday night (Dec. 14). They donated so many clothes and other personal items that the family said they have enough for now.

The fire at the 120-year-old home of Rick and Paula Hart was reported about 5:30 p.m. They live in a hollow off Highway C about a mile east of Iconium. Twenty to 22 firefighters from Iconium, Lowry City, Sac-Osage, Deepwater and Clinton departments helped fight the fire and transport water to the scene. It took firefighters about five hours to put out the fire, which flared back up after it was initially out.

The fire left nothing but a tin roof in the middle of the burned rubble, according to Nikki Tucker, co-owner of Scotts Iconium Store, where Paula Hart works. Tucker said the Harts believe an electrical problem or a space heater may have started the fire. She said their pets escaped without injury.

Tucker said the Harts plan to live in their fifth-wheel camper until they build a new home. One of their daughters planned to set up a GoFundMe page to collect donations to help with the cost of rebuilding.

Rick Hart expressed his gratitude for the people who helped them.

“All of the firemen, sheriff’s dept. and all the people that stepped up and done what it takes to help thy neighbor, God bless them all. That is why I love our little world out here. Wish the rest the world was this way,” he posted on Facebook. “It sure makes you wonder what has happened to the world these days ‘cause growing up it was like that everywhere. Thanks again.”

(Pictures: Nikki Tucker, Iconium)