Why We Search: Numerous People in Missouri Vacant

Jefferson City fire reminds us that vagrancy is not seasonal

Early Tuesday morning Jefferson City firefighters responded to a fire at 111 Adams Street. During the course of the fire and investigation a homeless man was arrested for allegedly starting the fire, knowing that other squatters were inside.

“[Police] also located numerous people who were sleeping in the vacant house and were able to escape the fire.”

It is common to think of squatters seeking refuge during the cold winter months, and in large urban areas, but Jefferson City’s fire should remind us that this issue is not seasonal. As always, we remind you that safely searching such properties should be done based on the fire conditions observed and interpreted, the building conditions, staffing and resources responding, direction from command and without regarding the value of life of those who may be inside. Everyone has value regardless of their station in life. Blindly writing off possible victims based on how society views them and the occupancy state of the building is simply wrong and illogical.

Video below is during and after the fire, courtesy of KRCG.

Take a look at some other recent fire and news involving vacant and abandoned properties:

Indio, CA Abandoned home known for transients burns.
Troy, NY Abandoned buildings demolished.
Ilford, UK Squatters rescued from abandoned nightclub fire.

Read more on ‘Why We Search’

Video image courtesy of KRCG on YouTube.