The Gerald-Rosebud Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire Friday, Sept. 24 at 4:18 a.m. In just eight minutes, six firemen were on the scene fighting the fire that had fully involved a large shed on Cedar St. near Flottmann Road.

Deputy Chief Jordan Lottmann took command of the scene and described the blaze as “intense and hot.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Lottmann said their request to the Missouri Fire Marshall’s office for help in the investigation was declined. 

As the firemen began their work, the blaze crept to a camper parked next to the shed. 

Lottmann says his department had a good response of personnel for the fire. After their quick response, they immediately went to work protecting exposures and performing their assigned tasks. 

The Beaufort-Leslie Fire Department was also on scene to assist with fighting the fire. 

The shed and the camper next to it were a total loss. Another camper and truck parked nearby were saved. 

Gerald Police Chief Jim Helton noted someone passing by the scene reported the blaze. 

There were no injuries reported. 

Lottmann noted that an eight minute response time would be good even for a professional department. That this group of volunteers were awakened by the fire tones, drove to the station, put on their protective gear and got to the fire in eight minutes is something of which they should be proud. 

“This response is a testament to our group,” Lottmann said.