[Press Release] : Fire damages north Columbia home

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

Fire damages north Columbia home

COLUMBIA, MO (April 20, 2009) - Columbia firefighters were called at
10:58 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, to 3208 Northland Drive for a report of
a structure fire.

Firefighters found light smoke coming from the home. Fire crews entered
the home and found flames inside a bedroom, on the floor near a clothes
dryer and inside the wall behind the dryer. The fire was extinguished
within 10 minutes of arrival. Crews used large fans to remove the
remaining smoke from the home. 

Fire crews used thermal imaging cameras to ensure there was no area of
hidden fire throughout the home. The fire and water damage was contained
to the area of the dryer, with minor smoke damage throughout the home.
There were no injuries and the damage is estimated at $4,000. The home
is owned by Kevin Witherspoon.

The occupants, Ashley and Carla Martin, reported to fire crews that
they were awake when they smelled and observed smoke in the home. They
discovered a small fire near the dryer and extinguished it with a cup of
water. After some time, they discovered additional smoke and called
9-1-1 to request fire department assistance.

The home did have working smoke alarms, which were operating when fire
crews arrived.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department were on-scene and have
determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction inside the
wall behind the clothes dryer.

The American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to the Martins
as a result of this fire.

Residents are urged to immediately evacuate and call 9-1-1 if you
discover a fire in any building. For your safety, do not attempt to
extinguish the fire yourself.

- 30 -
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