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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;"> 201 Orr Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</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;">September 8, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Katherine Rodriguez
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7426
<br />Katherine.Rodriguez@CoMo.gov
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<br />Skyler Clark
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7609
<br />Skyler.Clark@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 residential structure fire, Sept. 8</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Monday, Sept. 8, at 1:44 a.m., Columbia Fire Department (CFD) units were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 4700 block of Derby Ridge Drive. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CFD arrived within six minutes to find a single-story home with flames showing. Firefighters quickly initiated an aggressive attack, bringing the fire under control within 30 minutes. In total, 14 units comprising 28 personnel responded to the scene.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As part of their operations, firefighters performed an aggressive ventilation-enter-search (VES) procedure. During the search, Ladder 1's four-person crew was able to split into two crews, which allowed firefighters to search the structure more rapidly. Crews made simultaneous entry through windows in two separate bedrooms to search for occupants. Two adult occupants were immediately located within 30 seconds of each other and were rescued from the structure. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CPR was immediately initiated on both patients, and primary care was transferred to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with CFD crews providing support. During treatment, EMS administered a CFD-issued CYANOKIT, a medication specifically designed to counteract cyanide poisoning-a dangerous condition that can result from smoke inhalation during structure fires. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cyanide is a highly toxic gas commonly present in fire smoke, making rapid intervention critical. Earlier this year, CFD deployed CYANOKITs to the field, ensuring crews have access to this lifesaving medication when seconds matter most.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite life-saving efforts, one patient unfortunately passed away at the scene, and one patient was transferred to a local hospital in critical condition. Next of kin have been notified. Two cats were also found deceased at the scene.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"This incident is a vivid reminder of why staffing, training and equipment matter," Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said. "Our first-due ladder split their four-person crew, entered through windows under extreme fire conditions, and rescued two, giving them a chance when others thought the house was empty and definitely not survivable. That doesn't happen without four-person staffing, a mission-focused command team and firefighters who are willing to risk everything for strangers. I am beyond proud of their courage, proud of their competence and proud that we are moving this department in the right direction-where the impossible becomes survivable because of the heart of our people and the support and trust of the community."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the fire. Crews remain on scene to assist with the fire investigation and extinguish any hidden fire.</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 the ceiling (or on a wall no closer than four inches from the ceiling) 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 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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