[Press Release] : Late morning fire destroys central Columbia home

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

Late morning fire destroys central Columbia home

COLUMBIA, MO (March 23, 2009) - The Columbia Fire Department responded
to a report of a fire at 112 Forest Ave at 11:14 a.m. on Sunday, March
22. While en route to the fire, 9-1-1 communications operators were
reporting that they had received several calls concerning the fire,
there were flames visible from the home, and that the owner had arrived
home and was attempting to rescue dogs from inside. 

An ambulance, (routinely dispatched to all fires), from the University
Hospitals and Clinics satellite base at Ellis Fishel Hospital was the
first emergency crew on scene and reported heavy fire and smoke on the
southwest corner of the home. 

First arriving fire units made an attempt at a offensive attack from
the front door of the residence, however the fire had gained a strong
foothold in the attic. Interior fire attack crews were instructed to
exit the structure and a defensive attack of applying water from the
outside of the home was initiated. 

The resident of the home, Jessica Ford, advised that she was working at
Sonic ™ on Business Loop 70 and was notified of the fire when a neighbor
called the business and told her. Ford raced home and entered the
residence to release three dogs inside. All of the animals were able to
escape the home and were not injured. 


Ford advised the fire crews there were no other occupants in the home.


Firefighters cut ventilation holes in the roof and side gables of the
home to apply water to the fire in the attic. The fire was brought under
control in about 30 minutes. 

Ford is being assisted with shelter, food and clothing by the Boone
County Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Forest Avenue between Grand Avenue and Providence was closed during the
fire. 

Fire investigators are on the scene attempting to discover the origin
of the fire and the cause of the fire. The home is a total loss;
estimates to the home and contents are not available at the time of this
release. 

NOTE - Firefighters remind you, NEVER enter a burning home. Statistics
show that the majority of people who enter a burning structure to
retrieve personal belongings, rescue animals or rescue other people,
become fire fatalities. Once out - stay out. 

- 30 -
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