[Press Release] : 4 Occupants Flee House Fire On Washington Ave

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Gary L. Warren, Jr., 573-499-7035 - Duty PIO
Pager

4 Occupants Flee House Fire On Washington Ave
COLUMBIA, MO (March 19, 2008) - Around 6:15 p.m. units of the Columbia
Fire Department responded to a Residential Structure Fire at 603B
Washing Avenue with a report of smoke and flames showing. Upon dispatch
several units reported seeing smoke while en route.

First arriving units conducted firefighting and search activities
simultaneously. 15 Firefighters responding on 3 Engines, 1 Ladder and a
Rescue Squad extinguished the fire in around 20 minutes.

A neighbor (Rodney Estes) reported that he was outside when he noticed
the smoke and fire. He quickly told the occupants to stay out of the
house while he called 9-1-1.

Through a fire department translator, one of the 4 occupants home at
the time of the fire stated that while he was taking a shower the water
shut off. When he left the bathroom to investigate, he encountered heavy
smoke and heat that drove him back into the bathroom where there was no
way out. The occupant then made his way to one of the bedrooms where he
attempted to open the window to escape. The window, however, would not
open forcing him to break it out and jump through. During his escape the
occupant suffered some minor lacerations to his right forearm and lower
legs. He was treated at the scene and released.

An investigation is on going at this time and a cause and determination
will be available later. No initial damage estimate has been determined
as well, however, the house has significant damage throughout. There
were a total of 5 occupants living at the residence and 4 were at home
at the time of the incident. No one other than the occupant that jumped
out of the window received any injuries. The occupants will receive
assistance from Red Cross.

“Working smoke alarms save lives!”

Photos available:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/2008_march20_housefire.php


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