[Press Release] : Cause and origin of Oak Street fire

[Press Releases]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of
Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided
links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

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

Cause and origin of Oak Street fire 

COLUMBIA, MO (June 19, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called to 200
Oak Street at 10:44 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, for a report of a
residential fire. 

In the residence at the time of the fire was the tenant, Manuel
Douglas, 50, of Columbia. Douglas was transported to the University
Hospital, George Peak Burn Center for evaluation. Douglas suffered minor
burns to his fingers and minor smoke inhalation. 

Fire investigators have determined that the fire originated in the
living room; the cause of the fire was improper use of a cooking
appliance. Douglas kept a small deep fat fryer in the living room near
the sofa and had been cooking before falling asleep on the sofa. 

Damage to the home and contents is estimated at $50,000. There were no
working smoke alarms in the home.

Columbia fire officials remind people to follow manufacturers'
instructions on all heat producing appliances and to ensure there is
adequate space between heat producing appliances and combustible
materials. 

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or
subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and
follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php