Victim Dies In Cuba House Fire

Update: The Crawford County Sheriff's Office said the victim has been identified as Wanda Myers, 88. 

A preliminary investigation has determined the fire began in the basement, but due to the damage, a cause has not been determined.

The Cuba Fire Protection District said a victim died Friday in a house fire in the 3000 block of Highway O.

Fire Chief Mike Plank said in a press release it is the first fire fatality in the district since 2017.

Crews were dispatched at 6:04 p.m. to the residence.

Around 50% of the home was on fire by the time firefighters arrived, with a victim trapped inside.

Plank said Crews made an interior attack to locate  the victim.

Crews had to evacuate due to “rapidly deteriorating conditions.” They switched to a defensive attack.

Once the home was safe for reentry, firefighters and a Crawford County investigator went into the home and located the victim.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters from Cuba, Bourbon, Steelville, Sullivan and St. James were on scene.

“We ask that you keep this family as well as all first responders in your thoughts and prayers,” Plank said.