[Press Release] : Fire crews investigate lightning strike

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Gary L. Warren, Jr. - (573) 499-7035 

Fire crews investigate lightning strike

COLUMBIA, MO (May 22, 2008) - Fire crews responded to a report of a
residential structure fire at 1609 Canton Dr. today after lightning
struck a house around 12:24 p.m. 

Teresa Foster was at home in the bedroom at the time lightning struck
the house interrupting electrical and phone service to the house. “The
lightning actually set off the smoke alarm,” said Foster, who exited
the house with a pet dog and two workers before calling 9-1-1 from her
cell phone.

While crews did not find any fire associated with the lightning strike,
they did find damage to the roof, chimney and a 4 feet by 4 feet area in
a tiled shower (master bedroom). In addition to the damage to house, a
gas leak was discovered in the front yard near the curb. Firefighters
witnessed bubbling water in the front yard where the gas leak was
located. Crews from AMEREN UE were called to the scene to shut off the
gas and repair the line. A representative from AMEREN stated they would
have to dig up the site where the gas was leaking to repair the line
after it was shut off at two other locations.

No one was injured during this incident and the Foster family will
return to the residence at the conclusion of the gas line repairs.

- 30 -
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