[Press Release] : Afternoon fire damages home near campus

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Captain Eric Hartman - (573) 874-7644

Afternoon fire damages home near campus

COLUMBIA, MO (April 13, 2009) - Columbia firefighters were called at
12:40 p.m. on Monday, April 13, to 809 Maryland Avenue for a report of a
structure fire.

Firefighters arrived and, upon entry, found light smoke inside the
first floor of the home. Crews discovered a small fire inside the
bathroom of the home, which had been extinguished prior to the arrival
of fire department personnel. During the fire, an aerosol can ruptured
from intense heat, which caused a minor "explosion", breaking the
bathroom window. The home suffered minor fire damage to the bathroom,
and minor smoke damage throughout the first floor. There were no
injuries and damage is estimated at $2,500.

The building is managed by Callahan and Galloway.

Smoke alarms were present in the home; however, all except one failed
to operate during the fire.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department were on-scene and have
determined the fire was caused by a candle left burning unattended in
the bathroom.

Residents are urged to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed
in their homes. Your risk of death in a fire is reduced by 50 percent if
you have properly working smoke alarms installed. City of Columbia
residents can still obtain smoke alarms at no cost by visiting the
Columbia Fire Department Administration Office at 201 Orr Street, or by
contacting the Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Local 1055 at
573-823-6942. SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!

Residents are additionally reminded to ensure that all candles are
extinguished after every use.

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