[Press Release] : Early morning fire damages central Columbia home; Columbia firefighter suffers burn injury

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

Early morning fire damages central Columbia home; Columbia firefighter
suffers burn injury

COLUMBIA, MO (November 11, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called at
5:49 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to 103 Forest Avenue for a report of a
fire in a home. Firefighters arrived to find heavy-to-moderate fire
conditions in the rear of the single family home. Firefighters quickly
determined that the home was vacant and began an aggressive interior
fire attack.

Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the back of the home and
extinguish the fire in about 10 minutes. During fire fighting
operations, Lt. Doug Thoma, assigned to Engine Company 2, received minor
burns to his right hand when embers got in between his fire fighting
glove and bunker coat sleeve. Lt. Thoma was taken to University
Hospitals where he is being treated in the George Peak Memorial Burn
Center. It is unknown at this point if Lt. Thoma will be off work for
any period of time. 

Fire investigators have determined that the fire began in the back of
the home, in a modified rear porch area. The home was vacant at the time
of the fire. Damage to the structure is estimated between $8,000 and
$10,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

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