Firefighters Subdue Blaze at 1904 House, Home of Dentistry
Maplewood Richmond Heights Family Dentistry is the scene of the multi-alarm blaze on Sutton Boulevard in Maplewood.
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Last update: 12:10 a.m.
Firefighters from Maplewood, Clayton, Ladue, the city of St. Louis and several other departments battled a multi-alarm fire at a dentist's office at 3004 Sutton Boulevard in Maplewood.
The fire was at Maplewood Richmond Heights Family Dentistry in a commercial building at that address. At about 9:30 p.m., witnesses could see substantial amounts of smoke billowing from the building while firefighters sprayed water on the structure while temperatures hovered in the teens. At around 10 p.m., flames broke through the roof of the structure and the roof collapsed.
Dr. Wayne E. Fischer, the dentist who owns the practice, told Patch on the scene that he had practiced in that building for 39 years. In fact, he was the third dentist in 80 years to practice dentistry in that building, a house that was built in 1904, Fischer said.
"I feel like my whole life is gone," Fischer said. "I'm in shock."
The staff of the practice had left early today because of the snow. Fischer noted that he had a collection of sports memorabilia in the house, including an original scorecard from Stan Musial's last game, signed by everyone on the team.
"It rivaled Cooperstown," the location of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Fischer said.
Visibly drained by the experience of watching the fire, Fischer said he was relieved no one was hurt.
"I'm just concerned for my patients," he said, referring to medical records, computers and files that were in the office. The final part of the roof collapsed while Fischer was talking to Patch.
After that, at about 10:30 p.m., firefighters moved witnesses back further in fear that the house would collapse entirely.
There were no official reports of injuries in connection with the blaze, although there were unofficial reports that an ambulance was called for an injuried firefighter.
KMOV-TV reported on Twitter at about 9:30 p.m. that firefighters were "taking a defensive stance" against the fire. Firefighters from the Webster Groves and Rock Hill fire departments were also on the scene; there were reports as well that they were being aided by the Mid-County, Affton, Mehlville, Glendale, Clayton and University City fire departments.
Sgt. Cavanaugh with the Maplewood Police Department told Patch he was patrolling the area around Sutton and Flora when he saw visible flames in the area. He called for back-up, but by the time anyone arrived, the building was completely ablaze.
The fire was initially reported at two alarms, but there are reports that it is now a four-alarm fire.
Around midnight, firefighters were lowering the ladders and rolling up the hoses. The house was still standing, but without a roof, and every window frame was blackened.
In This article
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Maplewood Richmond Heights Family Dentistry
3004 Sutton Blvd, Saint Louis, MO -
Maplewood Police Department
7601 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO
Rebecca Konersmann
9:19 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
I've been to this dentist office. He pulled a bad tooth. He has alot of sports stuff that cant be replaced. I feel so sorry for him and the firefighters.
Kurt Greenbaum
9:29 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thanks for your comment and your sentiments. Yes, it's terrible.
James Baer
9:46 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ladue fire fighters braving the elements in Maplewood tonight. This is a tough night to be out saving lives and property.
Sarah Lamb
10:29 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
I attempted to contact you again on Twitter but my account is acting up tonight. I live down the street on Flora and noticed when I stepped out on my porch that I could see a glow and smelled smoke that didn't go along with a fireplace/woodstove(was a firefighter for 10 years). I really didn't pay attention to the Maplewood fire department responding from their station as I hear them all the time. I did go to the Quick Trip and take some pictures and will be posting them to Twitter shortly.
Kurt Greenbaum
10:56 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thank you, Sarah. Would you mind posting them here on Patch? Look under the pictures above and click the "upload photos and videos" button. If you wouldn't mind :)
Becky Lamb
10:35 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2012
My heart goes out to Dr. Fisher, one of the nicest Dentists ever. My 6 children and I were his patients until my children were grown. He did have many irreplaceable sports memoribilia that we always enjoyed seeing. I know he employed a small staff as well that will not be able to go back to work too soon. This house also one of the most beautiful historic homes in our neighborhood. Many losses from this fire. My best to the firefighters and police staff out in this cold. Be Safe.
Jared
12:18 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I was here today and have gone my entire life. Great guy and lots of memorabilia that can't be replaced. Must of been one of the last patients in the building
James E. Crum, Jr.
7:43 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
Dr. Fisher and his staff always treated you like you were family. I've been a patient since nearly 29 years after my first wife introduced me to this practice. My heart and prayers go out to the staff, Dr. Fisher, and his family.
Thanks to all the brave firefighters and other personnel on the ground. Your dedication and bravery is exemplary.
Will also miss this beautiful old home on Sutton.
Susie Rohlfing
8:31 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I happen to live on Flora and I was up there watching the firemen battle this blaze. Watching them really put things in perspective. Seeing these guys and their helmets & uniforms covered in ice really made you realize what they go through especially in temps like they had last night. It saddens me to see this happen to such a beautiful home/business, it was a beautiful building and to know that Dr. Fishhers business is now gone is just terrible, but we have to be thankful that no one was seriously injured during this fire, because it could have been a lot worse. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone and to all the firefighters that were out there last night and still this morning...thank you for all you do
Susie Rohlfing
8:43 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I also posted some pictures that I took last night
Doug Miner
8:40 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I like many of us, live within blocks of Dr. Fischer's home, in homes of similar age as his. Makes me wonder: 1) how it started, 2) how I can make sure it doesn't happen to me. My heart goes out to Dr. Fischer and his family.
Luke Havel
10:35 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
As residents of a historic neighborhood, one thing we as homeowners should try to do is understand our homes. This includes how they were built. I am sure this wonderful building was built using balloon framing. This means wall studs run from foundation up to the attic with no blocking. Fire from a basement can quickly travel up to an attic or roof. This was probably one of the reasons our valiant local firefighters had tough task.
Doug Miner
8:53 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
Thanks for those photos Susie!
Kate Powers
9:23 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I started seeing Dr. Clifford when I was 9 years old in 1965 and just had my teeth cleaned by his daughter Sue (Dr. Fischer's hygenist) on Tuesday. What a loss! Memories of working with an incredible dental team, sports memorabilia that was a joy to look at each time I visited, and a piece of Maplewood history. Sigh, Kate Powers
Susie Rohlfing
10:30 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
I just came back from Dr Fischers, uploaded more pictures. So sad to see all the horrible damage. Hats off to all the fire fighters who are still up there this morning.
Doug Miner
10:44 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
Thanks again, Susie, and you're so right on both counts.
Ryan Martin
12:17 pm on Friday, January 13, 2012
Thank you for sharing the photos, Susie. It's been a difficult night for everyone in Maplewood. We're happy no one was hurt, but we're sad to lose such a wonderful piece of Maplewood history.
Nate Malone
11:16 am on Friday, January 13, 2012
Wow! This is so heartbreaking. Dr. Fischer is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He was my childrens dentist and has been my dentist for over 15 yrs. He and his staff are just what the sign says 'FAMILY'. I just happen to go to Quik-trip last night and saw all the fire trucks, thought it was one of the houses or the church, but never considered it was his office. My heart and my prayers go out to Dr. Fischer and his staff. Knowing him as long as I have, as my dentist and my friend, he will be back. His wonderful and extensive sports memorabilia can't be replaced, but thank God we still have him. Thank you to the firefighters, who fought a valient fight!
nancylightlampert
12:55 pm on Friday, January 13, 2012
OMG! Susan and Dr Fischer We are so sorry. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is as if we lost our home as well. Words cannot express how we feel. You have been part of our family for over 50 years, starting with Dr. Charles Clifford, we are praying for you and your family. This is a terrible loss. I know the items inside are irreplaceable, we are just so grateful everyone is safe.
Nancy Light-Lampert, Tony Lampert, Alexis Light, Aaron Light