[Press Release] : Fire at retirement facility causes temporary evacuation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Gary L. Warren, Jr. - (573) 499-7035

Fire at retirement facility causes temporary evacuation

COLUMBIA, MO (August 22, 2007) - Just before 4 p.m. firefighters
responded to the report of a commercial structure fire at 3300 New Haven
Rd. Firefighters were called to Lutheran Services at Lenior Woods Care
Center for a fire on the roof that was reported by maintenance staff
members.

Firefighters acted quickly in accessing the roof with a chain saw and
using a fire hose to extinguish a small fire. Prior to the Fire
Department’s arrival, approximately 46 residents and staff evacuated
the kitchen, day care and a special care unit to a safe location within
the facility. The maintenance staff stated that there was not enough
smoke to activate the detection system. However, there was a burning
smell present in the south hall leading to the special care unit, which
prompted them to evacuate the residents and staff.

Maintenance staff first noticed smoke coming from an area around the
generator vent. The staff used a ladder and eventually discharged an
extinguisher after investigating the area and discovering some
smoldering.

Investigators stated that the fire was caused by radiant heat from the
generator exhaust vent which caught the roof decking on fire.
Maintenance staff confirmed that an annual test and inspection, where
the unit is run for approximately four hours, was completed on the
generator just before 1 p.m. Initial damage estimates to the contents
and structure are placed at $10, 000. 

The residents and staff should be able to return at the conclusion of
the investigation and cleanup.

- 30 -
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