A devastating fire in rural Cass County, Missouri, resulted in the deaths of Karen Maze, 76, and her husband, Alder Maze, 89.
The fire, which occurred late Sunday night, has shocked the local community, and investigations are now underway to determine the cause. Here’s a detailed look at the incident and its aftermath.
The Fire Incident
The fire was reported around 10:45 p.m. on Sunday night, at a residence located on South O’Bannon Road, near 299th Street.
The Garden City Fire Protection District and Cass County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched to the scene.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and Time of Fire | Sunday, around 10:45 p.m., March 16 |
| Location | South O’Bannon Road, near 299th Street, rural Cass County, Missouri |
| Fire Response Time | 2 minutes after initial report |
| Firefighters’ Difficulty | Intense flames and heavy smoke prevented entry into the house |
| Time to Control Fire | About 3 hours to bring the fire under control |
| Victims Identified | Karen Maze, 76, and Alder Maze, 89 |
Firefighters’ Struggles and Victim Discovery
When deputies and firefighters arrived at the scene, they found that the house was already engulfed in flames. Both the sheriff’s office and the fire department faced severe challenges due to the intense heat and thick smoke, which prevented them from immediately entering the building.
The Garden City Fire Protection District noted that despite the overwhelming conditions, fire crews were able to eventually enter the home after about three hours.
Upon entering the house, firefighters discovered the bodies of Karen Maze and Alder Maze. The investigation revealed that one of the victims, believed to be Karen, may have attempted to escape the fire initially but returned inside to help her husband, who had suffered a stroke.
Tragically, the intense smoke and flames overtook both of them inside the house.
Heartbreaking Testimonies from Family
Shane Hendricks, the couple’s son, spoke to reporters about the deep emotional impact of the tragedy on the community and their family. He shared how deeply Karen and Alder were appreciated by those around them, citing their longstanding contributions to the community.
Shane also expressed his gratitude for the final act of love displayed by his mother, who, despite her physical limitations, tried to save her husband in his time of need.
“They found her just a foot away from him, in the back part of the house, trying to get him out,” Hendricks said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to have them as my parents and to know that the last act of love that mom could do was to try to get him out of the house.”
The couple leaves behind four children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild. Their loss has deeply affected the entire family and the local community.
Ongoing Investigation
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. As of now, the exact cause of the blaze remains undetermined.
Missouri State Fire Marshal and the Cass County Fire Investigation Team have been assisting with the investigation, as authorities work to piece together the sequence of events leading to the fire.
The loss of Karen and Alder Maze in a tragic fire has left a deep void in the Cass County community. Despite the heroic efforts of emergency responders, the couple was unable to escape the flames.
Their family’s testimony highlights a final, selfless act of love that will be remembered by all who knew them.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left to mourn the loss of two beloved individuals and reflect on the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of such unpredictable disasters.