FREE ACCESS Firefighters ask Poplar Bluff residents to hold off burning after one suspected arson and one accidental fire keep firefighters busy over weekend

An alleged arson fire Friday and an unattended debris fire Saturday kept Poplar Bluff city firefighters busy this weekend.

Poplar Fire Chief Mike Moffitt is asking the public to stop burning yard waste or trash for a few weeks because of the dry conditions.

A 34-year-old Poplar Bluff man is in the Butler County jail on suspicion of second degree arson.

Jeffrey Lee Mitchem reportedly went to firefighters Friday night after they put out a structure fire at 1507 Woodrow St. and allegedly admitted he started the fire, which was already being investigated as possible arson.

When firefighters arrived at the Woodrow address, the structure was fully involved and firefighters quickly knocked down the fire outside, according to reports. They had seen flame extension going into the attic and pulled down the ceiling while extinguishing the remaining fire.

When the second station arrived, the first crew did a primary search of the structure and opened windows for ventilation.

After the fire was extinguished, the crew was conducting a salvage and overhaul when a man who seemed to be under the influence of something walked up with a pillow. He reportedly had been staying in the structure and said he lit a piece of paper on fire, which set a piece of foam on fire inside the porch.

He was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

The fire apparently started outside with paper, a lighter and cigarettes or a cigar, officials report. The fire report said it was a misuse of products, possibly impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Firefighters used 1,000 gallons of water.

The property is reportedly owned by Patrick McDill. Other responding agencies were Butler County EMS, Municipal Utilities and Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Firefighters responded at about noon Saturday to 912 North St., where the fire was in a 600-square-foot enclosed building at the rear of the home.

Heavy smoke was showing and the crew extinguished the fire on the exterior.

According to fire reports, the contributing cause was an open fire for debris or waste disposal left unattended or unsupervised.

Firefighters used 700 gallons of water to put out the fire.

Responding agencies were Butler County EMS, Poplar Bluff Police Department and Municipal Utilities and Spire Gas arrived to disconnect the utilities.