[Press Release] : Early morning fire damages central Columbia home

[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: Captain Eric Hartman - (573) 874-7644

Early morning fire damages central Columbia home

COLUMBIA, MO (November 19, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called at
4:02 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to 303 Benton Street for a report of a
structure fire.

Firefighters arrived and discovered flames in the attic of the
single-story home. Fire crews entered the home and quickly extinguished
the fire, located in the rear of the home above a bedroom. During the
initial stages of the fire attack, and in coordination with the crews
already inside the home, additional fire department crews were able to
mount an aggressive salvage operation placing large plastic tarps over
the occupant's belongings, minimizing the amount of peripheral water
damage. Crews then used large electric fans to remove the remaining
smoke from the home. The fire was contained to the attic and rear
bedroom, with smoke damage throughout. There were no injuries and damage
is currently estimated at $40,000. The home is owned by Dan Johnson.

The occupant, David Jackson, reported to fire crews that he noticed
some electrical problems in the home last evening. Mr. Jackson said he
woke up through the night and discovered a "glow" in the attic; upon
investigating he discovered the fire, called 9-1-1 for fire department
assistance and evacuated the home.

The home did not have any working smoke detectors installed.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department are currently on-scene.
At this time, the cause remains under investigation.

Residents are urged to ensure they have working smoke detectors
installed on each level of their home and outside of each sleeping area.
Smoke detectors save lives!

- 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