[Press Release] : Late afternoon fire damages north Columbia home

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E Sapp - (573) 499-7035

Late afternoon fire damages north Columbia home

COLUMBIA, MO (December 14, 2006) -- Columbia firefighters were dispatched to 4204 Derby Ridge Dr. in north Columbia off Smiley Lane at 5:03 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to a report of a house fire. While in route, firefighters were told that the fire was in the garage and was proceeded by an explosion. 

Firefighters arrived to find all occupants out of both sides of the duplex and heavy black smoke and some fire coming from the garage area of the north side of the duplex. Firefighters forced open the garage door and extinguished the fire in less than 15 minutes. The fire damage was contained to the car and the garage area with the rest of the structure suffering minor smoke damage. 

Firefighters used a winch on the Heavy Rescue Squad to pull the car, a late 1990’s Chrysler LeBaron, from the garage to allow firefighters to mop up and make sure the fire was completely out. 

The occupants of 4204 Derby Ridge Dr., Tristin Planter and his 8-year-old son were at home when the fire broke out. They reported hearing an explosion from the garage and when they investigated saw heavy smoke and fire under the engine compartment of the car. Neighbors tried to assist with fire extinguishers but the fire was simply too large to control with a fire extinguisher. 

No injuries to Planter and his son were reported and no injuries occurred to firefighters. Firefighters laid a water supply hose from the hydrant in front of Derby Ridge School to the scene which briefly closed Derby Ridge Drive and Smiley Lane. 

Fire investigators determined the fire began in the engine compartment of the Chrysler LeBaron but do not have a cause. Damage to the vehicle, structure, and contents is estimated between $20 - 30,000. The vehicle and structure were insured. 

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/ 
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php