[cfdpr-l]: City of Columbia Missouri Information Request

[Eric Hartman]

Morning Home Fire Under Investigation

Columbia Fire Department and Boone County Fire Protection District Fire Fighters were called at 9:36 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2010 to 5707 Candlewood Drive for a report of a structure fire.

Fire crews arrived and found a large amount of smoke and flames coming from a one story home, which was approximately 50% engulfed.  Due to the amount of fire present, two Columbia Fire Department aerial apparatus units were used initially to battle the flames down to a point where it was safe for crews to enter the structure.  The home suffered major fire, smoke, and water damage throughout.  There were no injuries and damage to the home and contents is currently estimated at $200,000.  The home is owned by Robert Mattox.  Four pet dogs perished inside the home as a result of the fire.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department were on-scene and the cause is currently under investigation.

The occupant, David Hollis, indicated to fire crews that he was working in a back bedroom of the home when he heard what he described as a "loud boom or explosion" in the garage of the home.  When he went to investigate, he discovered a fire in the garage near a vehicle and motorcycle.  Mr. Hollis attempted self-extinguishment with a fire extinguisher and tried to rescue the pets; however, smoke conditions worsened and he was forced from the home.  A neighbor noticed the fire and called 9-1-1 for fire department assistance.

The home was equipped with smoke alarms which did activate during this incident.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents to never attempt self-extinguishment of a fire inside a building, and to immediately evacuate if you are inside a building and a fire is discovered.

(Photographs of this incident are attached to the electronic copy of this release courtesy of the Columbia Fire Department.)

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