[Press Release] : Gas Odor Forces Evacuation of Three Downtown Businesses

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Captain Eric Hartman, 573-499-7035 - Duty PIO Pager,
573-874-7644 Office

Gas Odor Forces Evacuation of Three Downtown Businesses

COLUMBIA, MO (March 19, 2008) - Columbia Fire Fighters were called at
8:53 pm, on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 to 25 South Ninth Street, Ninth
Street Video, for a report of a strong odor of gasoline inside the
structure.

Fire Fighters arrived and discovered an odor consistent with paint or
solvent inside the business. Further investigation revealed the source
was a construction worker applying a commercial grade water sealant to
the interior walls at 15 South Ninth Street, which is currently under
renovation. Fire crews used electric fans to remove the fumes from 15
South Ninth Street and Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream at 21 South Ninth
Street.

Fire Fighters used combustible gas monitors to verify there was no gas
leak of any kind. There was no fire, structural damage, or injuries
related to this incident.

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream, Ninth Street Video, and Kaldi's Coffee
Shop were briefly evacuated until fire crews could determine the source
of the odor. All three businesses re-opened a short time later.

Fire Fighters remind residents to use paints, sealants, and solvents in
well ventilated areas and to read all directions carefully prior to
use.

-30-
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