Springfield Family of 10 Displaced After House Fire

Neighbors and non-profits rally to support family after devastating blaze

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A massive house fire in the 2700 block of West Sylvia Court in Northwest Springfield, Missouri has left a family of 10 - 8 children and 2 adults - displaced. The home was ruled a total loss and one of the family's two pets died in the accidental blaze. Neighbor James Schulze tried to help contain the fire with his garden hose before firefighters arrived, and the American Red Cross has stepped in to provide the family with blankets, comfort kits, financial assistance for transitional housing and other needs.

Why it matters

House fires can be devastating, especially for large families, and this incident highlights the importance of community support and emergency response services in helping displaced residents get back on their feet. The tragedy also raises awareness about fire safety and prevention in residential neighborhoods.

The details

The fire was first noticed by neighbor James Schulze, who heard a 'scratching noise' and 'vigorous crackling' outside his home. When he looked outside, he saw the side of the house next door engulfed in flames. Schulze tried to help contain the fire with his garden hose, but it was frozen and he couldn't get close enough due to the intense heat. The home was ruled a total loss, and one of the family's two pets died in the blaze. The American Red Cross responded to the scene, providing the displaced family of 10 with blankets, comfort kits, and financial assistance for transitional housing and other needs as they begin to rebuild.

  • The fire occurred overnight on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

James Schulze

A neighbor who lives about 20 feet away from the house that caught fire. He heard the fire and tried to help contain it with his garden hose before firefighters arrived.

American Red Cross

The emergency response organization that provided assistance to the displaced family, including distributing blankets and comfort kits, and offering financial support for transitional housing and other needs.

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What they’re saying

“I could hear like a scratching noise outside of my house. I heard it very vigorously crackling, and so I pulled open my curtain and I that's when I noticed the side of the house was engulfed.”

— James Schulze, Neighbor (ozarksfirst.com)

“The Red Cross of Southern Missouri responded to the fire this morning around 2 am until 4 am. We assisted a family of 10, with 8 children and 2 adults. Our team distributed blankets and comfort kits on scene and provided financial assistance to the family as they begin their road to rebuilding.”

— American Red Cross (ozarksfirst.com)

What’s next

The American Red Cross will continue to work with the displaced family to connect them with resources and support as they rebuild their home and lives after the devastating fire.

The takeaway

This tragic house fire highlights the importance of community support and emergency response services in helping families who have experienced a devastating loss. It also underscores the need for fire safety education and prevention efforts to protect residential neighborhoods.