HIGH RIDGE, Mo. — A 3-year-old boy died Tuesday morning after a fire broke out at a Jefferson County home.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the fire broke out before 8 a.m. Tuesday at a mobile home in the 3100 block of Diamond Drive in High Ridge.
When firefighters with the High Ridge Fire District responded to the flames, they discovered the 3-year-old inside. The sheriff's office identified the boy as Kaiden Strubberg.
Michelle Kelly, who lives across the street, and her family tried to help save the little boy.
"I mean we had hoses and fire extinguishers and we did everything we could to get him out. I was comforting the mother, Sabrina, the mother of Kaiden who was just beside herself," Kelly said.
The woman pointed to a blue bike that stood untouched outside of the trailer that belonged to Strubberg.
"He was the sweetest little boy you would have ever met. Always had a smile. Always giving hugs and I love you's. Just happy all the time. He was always well taken care of. Just a happy child. Anybody that knew him just lift them up," Kelly added.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is now working with the State Fire Marshal's Office to learn what caused the fire.
“Our condolences are with the family. We want people to remember to have working smoke detectors and be safe,” said Fire Marshal Ron Tisius with the High Ridge Fire Department.
Tisius said his department is available to make sure residents have necessary safety equipment.
“We will come out and check our detectors for you. We’ll put new batteries in them for you and we’ll put new detectors up for you. Whatever we can do to help to keep people safe,” he said.
As seasons begin to change and cooler nights are approaching, firefighters say never turn on your stove to heat up your home.
Also, never plug a space heater and other things into one electrical outlet.
“Anytime you overload a circuit, wiring heats up and you can have a fire,” said Fire Marshal Tisius.
As of Tuesday night, Kaiden Strubberg’s 4-year-old brother was still in the hospital.
Investigators haven’t determined what caused the fire.
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