Amidst Ice, Emergency Crews Tackle Fire

As a major winter storm bore down on the region, a house fire on Wickstrom Terrace sent emergency crews rushing through the gritty, sandy ice this afternoon.

The fire broke out at 1:30 p.m. at the Turnure house at 9755 Wickstrom Terrace in the Bridlewood Estates subdivision in Affton, across Gravois Road from Grant’s Farm. According to witnesses, first responders included over ten emergency vehicles, including seven fire trucks, three ambulances, multiple police cars and even the National Guard in a camouflaged Hummer.

“I heard loud bangs like fireworks,” said Jenny Ryan, a neighbor. “I looked out my window and saw the fire. When their house caught fire, the owners just ran outside, and they didn’t even have their shoes on, so we got them some.”

The fire appeared to have started in the fireplace and spread. Soon flames were shooting through the garage area; a car parked inside caught fire.

Firefighters from both the Affton and Mehlville Fire Protection Districts brought the blaze under control. There were two people in the house, plus the family dog. All three were able to get out, and no one was hurt. The fire has been put out.

Affton Fire Chief Jim Fritz’s office has been working with the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate activities during the storm. He said his department was ready to handle emergencies like this, despite the weather.

“We’re going to do everything possible to get to the people,” Fritz said. He added that Affton Fire has some four-wheel drive vehicles and one truck with drop down chains.