[Press Release] : Firefighters respond to unattended cooking fire

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Public Information Officer - (573) 499-7035 

Firefighters respond to unattended cooking fire
 
COLUMBIA, MO (June 18, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called at
2:22 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, to 2701 Nifong, Lot 10, of Columbia
Regency Mobile Home Park for a report of a residential structure fire. 

Firefighters arrived to find light to moderate smoke coming from the
mobile home. All occupants had exited prior to firefighters' arrival. 

Fire crews located the source of the fire on the stove and quickly
extinguished the fire and some fire extension into the roof area of the
mobile home. 

The occupants of the mobile home, Travis Mutrux, 32, and Kristi Wilson,
33, were not home when the fire occurred. Mutrux was cooking earlier in
the afternoon and left the mobile home for a short period of time. When
Muturx returned, he saw smoke coming from the mobile home and in
addition to a neighbor calling, Muturx called 9-1-1. 

Mutrux was evaluated on the scene by paramedics with University
Hospitals for smoke inhalation, and was released on the scene. 

Fire investigators determined that the fire began in a pan on the stove
and the likely cause was failure to ensure the stove was off before the
occupant left the residence. Damage is estimated at less than $5,000.
Mutrux and Wilson will stay with family members until the mobile home is
repaired.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds everyone to "Watch what you heat!"
and make sure you never leave cooking unattended and ensure that cooking
appliances are off before you leave the room or the residence. 

Cooking fires are a leading cause of fires not only in Columbia, but
nationwide. This is the second cooking related fire in as many days the
Columbia Fire Department has responded to. On June 17, the Columbia Fire
Department responded to a fire caused by unattended cooking at 2900
Lawnridge. 

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