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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Andrew Anderson - (573) 874-7644

Firefighters rescue family pet from heavy smoke while fighting a fire
caused by early morning lightning strike

COLUMBIA, MO (August 25, 2005) -- On Aug. 25, at approximately 4:28,
units of the Columbia Fire Department were dispatched to a reported
residential structure fire at 502 North Cedar Lake Dr. West.

Upon arrival fire crews found heavy smoke in the basement. Both
occupants had evacuated the home with one of their two dogs. The
occupants reported that they could not locate the other dog before
leaving the house. 

Firefighters located the frightened pet in a room above the fire floor
and the pet is now being treated for smoke inhalation.

The home is owned and occupied by Jerome and Carol Van Sambeek. Mr. Van
Sambeek reports that he was awakened by the early morning thunder storm
and while going to check the severity of the storm, saw a flash of light
and heard the loud crack of lighting. 

Van Sambeek reports they then lost power to some of the house. While
investigating the loss of power, he saw smoke coming from the air vents.
Van Sambeek reports he then found a fire in the utility room in the
basement. 

Fire damage to the upper floors was reduced when Van Sambeek closed the
basement door, delaying the upward movement of smoke and fire.
Firefighters were able to attack the fire from the rear of the home and
extinguish the fire in the room of origin.

- 30 -
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