[Press Release] : Chimney fire damages Columbia home

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Lt. Debbie Sorrell, Public Information Officer - (573)
874-5769

Chimney fire damages Columbia home 

COLUMBIA, MO (February 13, 2006) -- On Feb. 12 around 10:30 p.m., the
Columbia Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1805 University
Avenue.

On their arrival, Columbia firefighters found active fire in the attic
and flames had breached the roof around the chimney. Fire crews mounted
an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the blaze. One person was
home during the fire and smelled smoke but believed the damper on the
wood burning fireplace needed adjustment. The homeowners evacuated
without injury. 

Columbia fire investigators have determined that the fire began inside
the flue of the wood burning fireplace. Damage to the structure and the
contents is initially estimated at $60,000.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds all citizens to have their
fireplace cleaned and serviced by a licensed professional and always
have working smoke detectors in your home. A working smoke detector
gives you early warning of a fire emergency.

- 30 -
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