ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — An eastern Missouri fire official is urging people not to set their flood-damaged homes on fire after more than 20 firefighters spent more than two hours battling a blaze.

Central County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Steve Brown said Wednesday in a news release that setting fires after flooding is unfortunately not uncommon. But he urged people to use proper methods to remove damaged buildings, saying fires "create a dangerous situation for neighbors and first responders."

His comments came after fire crews battled a blaze Monday night in a vacant St. Charles home in...