[Press Release] : Columbia Family Alerted to Fire by Working Smoke Alarms Family Able to Evacuate Safely

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp - Public Information Officer,
573-499-7035 - Media Pager

Columbia Family Alerted to Fire by Working Smoke Alarms Family Able to
Evacuate Safely

COLUMBIA, MO (February 21, 2008) - The Columbia Fire Department
responded to a report of a structure fire at 1:19 am on Thursday,
February 21, 2008 at 1812 Business Loop 70 West, Park Trailer Court,
Trailer 10. 

Fire fighters found that five (5) adults and one (1) child had safely
evacuated the trailer after being awoke by a working smoke alarm.
Rebecca Maxwell who rents the trailer and her extended family awoke to
the smoke alarm and noticed fire around the furnace area. 

Fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control in less the
five minutes after arrival. 

Fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by a furnace
malfunction where the fire box had split open, allowing open flame from
the furnace to contact combustible wall materials. The Boone County
Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided temporary housing for
Maxwell and her family until other housing can be located. 

Working smoke alarms save lives! After the devastating fire in Thompson
Missouri on Tuesday where two small children perished, the Columbia Fire
Department urges everyone to test their smoke alarms to ensure they are
in working condition. And during this time of cold weather, use space
heaters with caution! Make sure there is at least three (3) feet of
clear space around heating units.

-30-

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