ROACH – Firefighters were dispatched to the Windermere Baptist Conference Center here at 5:07 a.m., Dec. 23, as flames engulfed a “structure” attached to the campground’s main dining hall, according to Fire Chief Scott Frandsen of the Mid-County Fire Protection District (MCFPD).
Windermere is owned by Straightway Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of the Missouri Baptist Foundation.
“Firefighters immediately began to attack the fire using multiple hose lines,” Frandsen reported. “There were winds gusting more than 30 MPH which made controlling the fire difficult. Due to the extraordinary efforts of the first arriving firefighters, they were able to keep the fire out of the main dining hall.
“The MCFPD Fireboat responded to the scene and was able to provide the water from the Lake of the Ozarks needed to control the fire,” Frandsen added. “Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control approximately 2 hours after they arrived on scene. The structure where the fire originated was a total loss, with the main dining hall receiving minor smoke and water damage.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, though the Frandsen reported that the fire currently doesn’t “appear to be suspicious in nature.”
“One MCFPD Firefighter suffered a hand injury,” Frandsen reported, “and one MCFPD Firefighter suffered a minor back injury, neither firefighters required transport to a medical facility.
“The MCFPD responded with (2) Engines, (4) Tankers, a Ladder Truck, and a Fireboat. MCFPD was assisted at the scene with an Engine from Osage Beach Fire Protection District, an Engine from Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, an Engine from Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, and a Tanker from Southwest Fire Protection District. MCFPD was also assisted on scene by Camden County Ambulance District, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and Southwest Electric. Additionally, the Lebanon Fire Department responded to MCFPD Station 1 in Camdenton to cover any additional emergency calls.
“All firefighters cleared the scene at 9:05 AM.”