[Press Release] : Fire Fighters Respond to Early Morning Fire In North Columbia Auto Repair Shop - 1 Burn Injury

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Public Information Officer, 573-499-7035 - Media Pager

Fire Fighters Respond to Early Morning Fire In North Columbia Auto
Repair Shop - 1 Burn Injury

COLUMBIA, MO (Date) - Columbia fire fighters were called at 8:18 am on
Saturday, July 12, 2008 to 2115 Rangeline Street, Columbia Car Rental,
for a report of a vehicle fire. Fire fighters responding from Station 4
at Vandiver and Oakland Gravel noted smoke from the fire and based on
several passing motorist reports that the vehicle on fire was close to
the building, additional fire units were dispatched. Fire fighters
arrived to find smoke and flames present from front and roof of the
building and one passenger vehicle fully involved in fire in front of
the bay doors to the repair shop.

Fire fighters established a water supply from a nearby hydrant and
knocked the fire down in less than 10 minutes. Fire from the vehicle had
spread to the building front and into the repair garage. 

Fire fighters removed the front façade of the metal building and found
that fire had spread to some wooden braces holding the façade and the
sign identifying the business. Minor smoke damage occurred in the office
and storage rooms of the business. Fire damage was contained to the
vehicle and the repair bay. 

The owner of the business, Sam Buckin, Sr. 54, the owner operator of
Columbia Car Rental, was repairing a vehicle in the driveway in front of
the repair bay when the vehicle caught fire. Buckin attempted to
extinguish the fire and in the process received burn injuries to his
right and left forearms and hands. Buckin was transported by a friend in
a private vehicle to University Hospitals for treatment after refusing
transport with an on-scene ambulance. 

Fire investigators examined the scene and interviewed Buckin breifly.
Fire investigators concluded that the fire likely began in the Mercury
passenger vehicle being worked on and spread rapidly. Buckin attempted
to fight the fire prior to calling 9-1-1 for assistance with at least
one fire extinguisher. When those efforts were not successful, the
business receptionist called 9-1-1. 

Fire investigators are investigating the cause and awaiting an
opportunity to interview Buckin. Damage estimates to the vehicle and
structure are in the 10-15,000 dollar range. Buckin’s burn injuries to
his forearms and hands are described as non-life threatening and he is
being treated at the George Peak Burn Center at University Hospitals.

-30-

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