[Press Release] : Fire at 410 North Fifth Street Dec. 31 is ruled unintentional

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 499-7035 

Fire at 410 North Fifth Street Dec. 31 is ruled unintentional

COLUMBIA, MO (January 2, 2008) - Columbia fire investigators have
determined that the cause of the fire at 410 North 5th St. was
unintentional. Fire investigators found that a fire was tendered in the
fireplace and that mortar holding bricks in the fire box had failed. The
failure of the mortar allowed hot embers to fall down into the wood
framed area of a wall space causing the fire.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds you to have your fireplace, wood
stove and chimneys and flues inspected annually to ensure they are in
good working order. 

The home was reported to be valued at around $65,000 and fire officials
estimate damage to the structure at around $45,000. 

- 30 -
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