[Press Release] : Late evening fire damages southwest Columbia home

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp - (573) 874-7557

Late evening fire damages southwest Columbia home 

COLUMBIA, MO (February 23, 2006) -- Columbia firefighters responded to
a report of a house fire at 1913 Clear Court at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
Feb. 22. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered fire and smoke in the
attic area of the home.

Columbia firefighters were able to extinguish the fire but not before
light damage occurred to the attic area near the fireplace flue of the
home. Damage estimates are at or slightly under $6,000.

The owners of the residence were home at the time of the fire and no
one was injured. The home is owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Sells.
Mrs. Sells stated that she and her husband were awake and smelled smoke
in the home. Sells called 9-1-1 to report the fire and then exited the
home.

Fire investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause and
origin of the fire. Fire investigators determined that the fire
originated in the attic near the fireplace flue. The cause of the fire
was determined to be blown insulation placed next to the flue. Over the
years, this insulation was heated by the flue and eventually hardened
and provided the fuel to begin a fire when heated by the flue last
night. 

Fire officials remind everyone that precautions should be taken when
using fireplaces. Have your fireplace, woodstove and other heating
devices inspected on a regular basis by trained professionals. 

- 30 -
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