[Press Release] : Early afternoon fire causes scare

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

Early afternoon fire causes scare

COLUMBIA, MO (July 20, 2006) -- Columbia firefighters responded to a
report of a fire at 1503 Hinkson Ave, Apt. B, at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday,
July 20. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered fire on the second floor
landing of the house turned into a tri-plex.

Response to this house fire consisted of three engines, one ladder, one
rescue squad, two incident command vehicles and one medic unit as a
precautionary measure. 

Columbia firefighters discovered fire on the landing outside of the
only entrance into the second floor apartment. This landing led to a set
of stairs which was the primary means of escape for the two occupants,
Emily M Schupp, 27, and Kathleen Larson, 22, who were at home when the
fire began. Schupp and Larson closed the door and remained in the
apartment until firefighters arrived. Quick detection of the fire along
with quick response and action by firefighters prevented significant
damage to the structure and also allowed the occupants not to have to
seek a secondary means of escape. The only other means of escape from
this apartment was through a window onto a roof top some 12 feet above
ground level. 

Fire investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause and
origin of the fire. Investigators determined that the use of an
unattended propane fueled deep fat fryer used for cooking on the wooden
landing caused the fire. Damage was estimated at $1,000. No one was
injured during this event. 

Columbia fire officials remind everyone that unattended cooking is a
leading cause of fires in residences. Propane fueled fryers are
inherently unsafe and should be used only on a non-combustible surface
away from any combustible materials. They should be attended at all
times and the manufacturer's instructions and warnings should be
observed! In addition, plan and practice fire escape plans so you know
what to do in the event of a fire.

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