[Press Release] : Mechanical malfunction of lawn mower in equipment shed causes morning fire

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Gary L. Warren, Jr. - (573) 874-7644 

Mechanical malfunction of lawn mower in equipment shed causes morning
fire

COLUMBIA, MO (June 22, 2006) -- Columbia firefighters responded to a
report of a commercial structure fire at 5312 Highland Parkway at 9:44
a.m. on June 21. Initial reports indicated a fire in the equipment shed
(referred to as a barn at the time) behind the residence. The call was
placed by the home owner (Ron Anderson) who received minor burns to his
arms while escaping the burning shed. Responding crews from nearby
Columbia Fire Station 7 could see smoke shortly after leaving the
station from Nifong and Providence roads. 

Upon arrival to the scene, fire crews found the equipment shed to be
fully involved in flames with all contents burning simultaneously. Nine
Columbia fire apparatus consisting of three engines, one rescue squad,
one ladder, two chief officers, one investigator and a public
information officer responded to the scene.

Firefighters used a hose line to extinguish the blaze. During fire
fighting activities, Mr. Anderson was examined by fire and ambulance
crews. Mr. Anderson eventually refused medical treatment for his minor
injuries which included superficial burns to his lower arms.

Fire investigators on the scene later attributed the fire to a
mechanical malfunction of the owner's lawn mower. A spark from the
lawn mower ignited fuel vapors which caught the equipment shed on fire.
According to Mr. Anderson, his mower caught on fire while he was trying
to start it. Fire investigators estimated the initial dollar loss to the
structure and its contents at $15,000.

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