[Press Release] : Electrical arc, smoke cause evacuation of Lathrop Hall

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Chief Steven Sapp - (573) 499-7035

Electrical arc, smoke cause evacuation of Lathrop Hall

COLUMBIA, MO (August 26, 2008 ) - On Aug. 26 at 1:42 a.m., Columbia
Fire units were dispatched to a fire alarm sounding at Lathrop Hall,
1003 Maryland Ave. Additional information from dispatch reported smoke
coming from a second floor dorm room. Columbia Fire upgraded to a
commercial structure fire response. 

The first fire unit on the scene advanced to the second floor and
reported light smoke. Upon further investigation, the source of the
smoke was found to be from an electrical arc when a wire from a room
heater came into contact with the male plug of a cell phone charger and
an extension cord.

The light smoke was removed with the use of fire department ventilation
fans. 

There were no injuries and no structural damage. The occupants of the
dorm room, as well as all other occupants, were allowed to return. 

The Columbia Fire Department would like to compliment the residents of
Lathrop Hall for their prompt evacuation effort. 

- 30 -
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