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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">July 5, 2023</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Clayton Farr, Jr.
<br />Fire Chief
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7391
<br />Clayton.Farr@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Fire Department responds to two residential structures on July 4, 2023</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><strong>Columbia Fire Department responds to two residential structures on July 4, 2023</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. the Columbia Fire Department was called to respond to the 5100 block of Interstate 70 Drive Southeast after receiving numerous reports of fire coming from a residence in the area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first crew arrived just under seven minutes later and encountered significant smoke and heavy fire conditions throughout the three-story home. The home was partially built as a log cabin with heavy timber construction. The crew reported high heat conditions along with flames through the roof with fire extending to nearby brush and trees. They began an aggressive exterior fire attack with two preconnected hose lines in an effort to control the flames and to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As additional personnel and equipment arrived, the decision was made to operate in a "defensive" fire attack mode, meaning no fire personnel would be committed to the interior of the structure. Additional preconnected hose lines were deployed from arriving crews to control the fire from the exterior.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The closest fire hydrant to this property was located approximately 1,200 feet from the structure, making use of this hydrant impractical. As a result of the size and construction type of the structure and the volume of fire present, Columbia Fire requested mutual aid assistance from Boone County Fire Protection District for water tanker support which allowed firefighting operations to continue.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During firefighting operations, crews determined there were no occupants inside the structure. There were no injuries reported.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The fire was brought under control in approximately three hours with fire crews remaining on the scene into the late evening hours to ensure there were no areas of hidden fire remaining or hazards to nearby properties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia fire marshals were called to perform an origin and cause investigation. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Initial damage is estimated at $200,000.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thirteen crews comprising 26 Columbia Fire Department personnel and two University Hospital and Clinics advanced life support EMS crew responded to this incident.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />On Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 8:57 p.m. the Columbia Fire Department was called to respond to the 4800 block of Melissa Drive after receiving numerous reports of fire coming from a residence in the area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first crew arrived just under five minutes later and encountered smoke and fire conditions from the rear of the single-story home. The crew reported light smoke conditions inside the structure and immediately began an aggressive interior fire attack with a preconnected hose line in an effort to control the flames to prevent the fire from spreading throughout the remainder of the home and allow other crews to begin search efforts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As additional personnel and equipment arrived, a water supply was established from several nearby fire hydrants and additional preconnected hose lines were deployed to control the fire from the interior. Other fire crews initiated search and rescue operations throughout the structure and also began ventilation operations to clear the structure of smoke and ensure the fire had been contained.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During firefighting operations, crews determined there were no occupants inside the structure. There were no injuries reported.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes with fire crews remaining on the scene several hours to ensure there were no areas of hidden fire remaining.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia fire marshals were called to perform an origin and cause investigation. The fire was determined to have originated on the exterior of the structure and the cause is associated with fireworks. Initial damage is estimated at $100,000.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven crews comprising 15 Columbia Fire Department personnel and one University Hospital and Clinics advanced life support EMS crew responded to this incident.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home and outside of places where people sleep. Check your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Change your smoke alarm batteries at least twice per year when adjusting your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Replace any smoke alarm over 10 years old.</span></p></div>
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<div class="content"><strong>Location:</strong> <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://gocolumbiamo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=62b0c3219184457b88d19cf44ce1f4a3&find=5100 Block Interstate 70 Drive Southeast and 4800 Block of Melissa Drive" target="_blank">5100 Block Interstate 70 Drive Southeast and 4800 Block of Melissa Drive</a></div>
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<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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