Vienna, MO — A revised fire investigation has determined that an August blaze that heavily damaged Vienna Pointe Residential Care Center was accidental, concluding it stemmed from a burning cigarette placed near combustible materials outside the building.
According to the updated report, security video shows Shannon Thompson, the city’s police chief, arriving at the facility late on Aug. 6 and placing a cigarette in or near a planter by the entrance. Roughly 90 minutes later—shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 7—footage captured a visible glow in the planter area that intensified into flames and spread to the entrance of the structure.
Investigators concluded the fire was accidental and caused by “the unintended result of an individual placing a burning cigarette near combustible material,” language attributed in the report to the investigative findings.
Evacuation and Firefighting Challenges
Fire crews arrived to find the building heavily involved. Residents were evacuated, and officials later confirmed there were no reported injuries. The response, however, was complicated by strong winds, limited water supply, and fire spread through the attic, which hampered suppression efforts and contributed to the extent of the damage.
The facility is located in Maries County and provides residential care services. Officials have not released a full estimate of the financial loss.
Next Steps Under Review
The incident remains under review by the Maries County Prosecutor’s Office, which has said it is still determining whether any charges will be filed. No broader regulatory changes have been announced, and the case continues to be treated as a local matter pending prosecutorial decisions.
