[Press Release] : Firefighters respond to the same address for two fires in 4-hour span

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

Firefighters respond to the same address for two fires in 4-hour span

COLUMBIA, MO (September 29, 2008) - For the second time in less than
four hours firefighters responded to northeast Columbia for a commercial
structure fire at a duplex at 3611 Greeley Dr. The first call came
around 9:15 p.m. for a shed behind the residence that was completely
destroyed by fire. The second call was received just before 1 a.m., this
time for the residence which was reported to be on fire. Both fires are
believed (by investigators) to be intentionally set and an investigation
is ongoing.

When arriving fire crews returned to the duplex the second time they
found fire on the (west exterior) left side of the duplex. Within
minutes of arrival, the fire breached the soffit and spread to the attic
causing extensive damage. It took 14 firefighters (from one Snozzle, one
Tower, one Quint, one Ladder and one Rescue Squad) 20 minutes to bring
the fire under control.

The fire was reported by a relative of the residents, Susan Harris, who
lives nearby in the neighborhood. Ashley Martin who was home at the time
with her parents (Harla and Donald Martin) said that a noise actually
got her attention and prompted her to investigate the sound. When she
stepped outside, she noticed a bright orange glow from the side of the
residence. Ashley Martin said she walked around the corner, and the side
of the duplex was on fire. She quickly went back inside to wake her
parents and evacuate the duplex.

The initial damage estimate to the building and contents is $120,000.
The damage estimate to the shed and contents is listed at less than
$2,000. There were no injuries during this incident and smoke detectors
did not play a role in alerting the residents. Both fires are under
investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime
Stoppers. 

- 30 -
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