Monstrous blaze

The monstrous blaze was frightening to witnesses and for a time seemed big enough to consume anything nearby, but with the outstanding work of the many firefighters, the fire was brought under control and confined to the pallet facility. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]

Huge balls of fire leapt to the sky Saturday night as firefighters from six area fire departments battled an inferno at a Rector pallet company, housed in the former Rector Lumber Company building at Main and West Fifth Streets. Rector firemen were called to the scene at about 6:30 p.m. and many quickly put on masks and oxygen tanks, with the magnitude of the blaze and heavy black smoke creating an extremely difficult situation. The call for assistance was issued immediately, and the Piggott, Marmaduke, Kennett, Greenway and Northeast Greene County fire departments responded quickly.

A Kennett firefighter works bravely Saturday night at the top of a ladder truck, spraying water onto a massive blaze which consumed a Rector pallet company at Main and West Fifth Streets. Kennett firemen and the department's ladder truck have provided assistance in fighting a number of Rector fires over the last few years. The monstrous fire required the work of six fire departments -- Rector, Piggott, Kennett, Marmaduke, Greenway and Northeast Greene County -- before it could be brought under control. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]