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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;">January 11, 2024</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 overnight house fire in the 5000 block of Kelsey Drive, January 11</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Thursday, Jan. 11 at 1:24 a.m. the Columbia Fire Department was called to respond to the 5000 block of Kelsey Drive after receiving numerous reports of fire coming from a residential structure in the area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first crew arrived five minutes later and located flames from the side and rear of a two-story home. The crew began an exterior fire attack with a preconnected hose line in an effort to control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading into the home and also to provide other fire crews the opportunity to begin search efforts inside.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As additional personnel and equipment arrived, a water supply was established from a nearby fire hydrant and additional crews assisted by checking attic and crawl spaces. Other fire crews initiated search and rescue operations inside the home and also began ventilation operations to clear the structure of smoke and ensure the fire had been fully contained to the exterior.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During firefighting operations, crews determined there were no occupants inside the structure. Working smoke alarms inside the home alerted residents to the emergency. One resident of the home sustained a minor injury while attempting to extinguish the fire. The individual was treated on the scene and refused transport to a hospital.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The fire was brought under control in approximately five minutes with fire crews remaining on the scene for several hours to assist fire investigators and also 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 from outside the structure near a poultry nesting box and the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental, attributed to a heat lamp affixed to the nesting box. Several poultry animals housed in the nesting box perished during the fire. Initial damage is estimated at $15,000.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ten crews comprising 22 Columbia Fire Department personnel and two Boone Hospital Center advanced life support EMS crews 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=5000 Block Kelsey Drive" target="_blank">5000 Block Kelsey Drive</a></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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