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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 874-7557 or (573) 441-4702

Fire destroys mobile home, former occupant arrested for setting fire

COLUMBIA, MO (April 19, 2004) -- Columbia firefighters were dispatched
to a report of a fire at lot 22 of Blackfoot Estates Mobile Home Park at
2808 Blackfoot Road shortly before 8 a.m. this morning. Firefighters
responding to the call reported heavy smoke visible from Stadium
Boulevard near Primrose Drive.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the front
door and windows of the mobile home. Firefighters were told by neighbors
that they thought the occupant was out of the home. 

An aggressive interior fire attack was initiated. Despite a valiant
effort, the mobile home and the contents are a total loss. The occupant
was not home at the time of the fire. The owner was made aware of the
fire and responded to the scene. There were no injuries to civilians or
firefighters. Damage to the mobile home and contents is estimated at
$20,000.00

Two Boone County Fire Protection District water tankers were dispatched
to the scene to supply fire fighting water.

Fire investigators conducted an investigation as to the origin and
cause of the fire. Investigators determined that the fire was
intentionally set (incendiary) and began working with the Columbia
Police Department Major Crimes Detectives trained in fire
investigations.

As a result of the investigation and interviews with the former
resident of the mobile home, Charles R. Rhorer, 32, of Columbia, was
arrested on charges of 2nd degree arson. Rhorer is currently being
processed by the Columbia Police Department on the arson charge and two
other unrelated charges. 


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