[Press Release] : Lightening causes early morning house fire in north Columbia

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Captain Eric Hartman - (573) 874-7644

Lightening causes early morning house fire in north Columbia

COLUMBIA, MO (June 13, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called at
5:05 a.m., on Friday, June 13, to a home at 3908 Citation Drive for a
report of a structure fire.

Fire crews arrived and found light smoke coming from the attic of the
home. Firefighters entered the home and discovered several areas of
smoldering material in the attic, which was quickly extinguished and
removed to the outside. Fire crews also found several other areas of
damage on the exterior of the home and to some electrical components
inside the home consistent with a lightening strike. Firefighters used
thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no hidden fires or hot
spots throughout the rest of the home. Columbia Water and Light crews
responded to verify there was no damage to the electrical meter base.
Fire crews removed vinyl siding in the area of the strike to access some
of the smoldering fire.

Firefighters used plastic sheeting to cover the damaged areas of the
roof and exterior wall in an effort to minimize additional damage to the
home from the heavy rainfall which struck Columbia this morning. There
were strong storms with heavy rainfall and high winds over Columbia at
the time of the fire, which continued during the fire suppression
efforts.

The homeowners, Jim and Heather Zepp, said they were awakened by what
sounded like an explosion and a bright flash of light which "shook the
house." Jim Zepp said he observed light smoke in the upstairs level of
the home and called the Fire Department.

There were no injuries and damage is estimated at $10,000.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department were on-scene and have
determined the cause to be lightening striking the home.

Five Columbia Fire Department apparatus and 18 personnel responded to
the incident.

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