[Press Release] : Smoke detector notifies home owner of kitchen fire at 2001 Keystone

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

Smoke detector notifies home owner of kitchen fire at 2001 Keystone

COLUMBIA, MO (May 19, 2006) -- Columbia firefighters responded to a
report of a residential structure fire at 2001 Keystone, on Friday, May
19, at 3:33 p.m. Initial reports indicated fire in the kitchen. 

Arriving fire crews found heavy smoke and visible flames in the kitchen
near the range. Columbia fire apparatus consisting of three fire
engines, one ladder company, one rescue squad and two chief officers
arrived on the scene. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack,
extinguishing the fire using hand lines connected to Engine Company #2.

The home owner (Helen J. Hickcox) recalled sitting on the front porch,
when she heard her smoke detector sounding. When she went inside her
home she encountered a kitchen fire that engulfed part of the
overhanging cabinet. Ms. Hickcox immediately called 911, who informed
her to exit the residence and wait for the Fire Department to respond. 

Fire investigators responded to determine the area of origin and the
cause of the fire. The cause of the fire was attributed to flammables
placed too close to an unattended stove. Initial estimated dollar loss
to the structure and its contents are approximately $10,000. 

Although there was significant smoke damage, the damage to the
structure from fire was limited to a relatively small area in the
kitchen. This was attributed to the activation of the smoke detector and
the timely actions of the firefighters. The Columbia Fire Department
would like to remind you to test your smoke detectors often and change
the batteries at least twice a year.

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