Fire started in roof at Route V home

The cause of a fire that broke out in the roof of a residence on Highway V northeast of Rolla Wednesday is under investigation, according to a local fire official.

Jeremy Light, interim chief of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District, said the fire was reported around 12:45 p.m. in the 11000 block of Highway V. Nobody was injured in the fire.

Phoenicia Halbrook owns the home. Nobody was at the residence when the fire started, Light said. A driver passing by reported the blaze.

Fire officials were still on the scene, wrapping up their efforts, at about 2:45 p.m.

Light said while the roof burnt, the walls remained in place, so “I wouldn't say it was a total loss.”

St. James firefighters assisted with extinguishing the blaze and the Phelps County Sheriff's Department blocked a section of the highway to through traffic as fire crews worked the scene.

For a video of the fire, visit www.therolladailynews.com.