Two People Killed in Overnight House Fire Near De Soto

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Two people were killed in a late-night house fire Monday in rural Jefferson County near De Soto.

Emergency crews were dispatched around 11:40 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, to a home in the 4800 block of Upper Blackwell Road after reports of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the home was already fully engulfed in flames.

Several fire agencies responded to assist with the fire, including the De Soto Rural Fire Protection District, the St. Clair Fire Protection District, the Mapaville Fire Protection District, and the Festus Fire Department.

Officials said the rural location of the home created challenges for firefighters because of limited water supply in the area. Crews worked to bring the fire under control as additional resources were brought in.

Authorities later confirmed that two adults were found dead inside the residence. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of family members.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Early indications show the fire does not appear to be suspicious, but the investigation remains ongoing.