Missouri Governor ? Michael L. Parson

Office of Communications

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

November 5, 2021

Update Regarding Response to Fire at Leased State Facility in Jefferson City

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) ??Today, state team members?from the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Office of Administration?s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) continue to provide reliable and responsive service to Missouri citizens while temporarily relocated?as a result of the fire on 1621 E. Elm Street.?

On Monday evening, the Jefferson City Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 1621 E. Elm Street, which is a leased facility for the State of Missouri. The fire was an isolated?incident, and there have been no reports of injury or fatalities.?

"Above all, we remain thankful that no one was injured during the Elm Street fire,"?Governor Mike Parson?said. "I could not be prouder of the dedicated public servants who have continued to serve Missourians in spite of these?circumstances. Whether?it is recovering from a tornado, fire, or navigating a global pandemic, our state team members remain committed?to Missourians."?

The damage assessment and estimated loss amount from the privately owned building and contents is $2.5 million; however, this does not reflect the state's total equipment loss. On Thursday, a contractor began recovery and disposal of state owned equipment.?The Office of Administration continues to work with the impacted state agencies to replace equipment, and damage estimates are still under review as the state further determines?what is salvageable.?

?I am very grateful that no one was harmed during this tragic event,? said Ken Zellers, Acting Commissioner, Office of Administration. ?Though I am saddened by the difficulties many of our teammates are experiencing, I?m grateful for how our state team members have responded, worked together as a team, and kept government operations and customer services from being disrupted. This week has been a challenge for many of us, but it is inspiring knowing that we will overcome this obstacle together.?

Today, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety (DFS) completed and delivered its cause and origin report on the fire to the Governor?s Office and the Office of Administration. The Jefferson City Fire Department had requested DFS assist in the fire investigation.

The report states that a passerby on Highway 50 reported the fire at about 8:51 p.m. on November 1. The caller reported seeing fire on the roof of the building, according to the Jefferson City Fire Department. The report lists the cause of the fire as undetermined, and states that investigators could not eliminate that the fire originated on the roof or within the attic portion of the structure. Investigators determined that fire damage to the interior of the building was caused by ?fall down burning from the attic level? of the structure.

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