WAPPAPELLO, Mo. - Nearly 20 area veterans were evacuated Sunday night during a structure fire at the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Christian Restoration Center. The fire resulted in a total loss of the facility, operated by Ron Webb Ministries. The veterans lost nearly all of their belongings just a week before Christmas Day. A devastated Rev. Ron Webb said he is thankful everyone made it safely out of the building and that his focus now is on moving forward. The center's residents are currently housed in Webb's family center in Poplar Bluff near his church, Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church of God.
"What we're doing right now is trying to regroup. We're getting everyone situated and trying to replace their belongings because they truly lost everything," Webb said.
According to officials from the Wappapello Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 4:45 p.m. Sunday and, with the help of Butler County and Puxico fire crews, remained on-scene until nearly midnight using 12,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames.
However, despite their efforts, the building burned to the ground. Where just hours before stood a place of refuge, a heavy layer of ashes now covers the ground. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but officials said investigation is underway by the state fire marshal's office.
The SEMO Christian Restoration Center opened in January 2000 and helps restore faith while providing healing and assistance to those in need, with an emphasis placed on veterans struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Webb said he plans to rebuild the center in the near future.
"The restoration center has been a ray of hope and an oasis to many people in terms of getting their life back on track," Webb said. "It's a great loss but something good will come out of it."
Donations are being accepted at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church of God, located at 1875 Speedway Drive. Webb said any type of donation is appreciated, including clothes, food and personal items. For more information, contact the church's office at 573-686-7844.