[Press Release] : Press Release - Columbia Fire Department

[Press Releases]

Working Smoke Alarm Alerts Occupant to Kitchen Fire
 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp
573-499-7035 - Duty PIOPager (24 hours)
573-874-7557 Office (M-F, 8-5)
 
 
Columbia, MO - Columbiaand Boone County Fire Fighters were called at 11:56 amon Thursday, February 18, 2010to 1413 Bodie Drivein north Columbiafor a report of a structure fire.
 
Fire crews arrived and found light smoke coming from the residence and all of the occupants had safely evacuated. 
 
Upon entering the home, fire fighters found the remnants of a cooking fire and quickly extinguished the fire and evacuated some smoke from the home. 
 
Fire investigators spoke with the resident, Kathleen Burns, 24, who stated she had begun to heat some oil on the stove and left the kitchen for a moment. The sound of a working smoke alarm alerted Burns to the fire and she was able to evacuate safely with her two children, ages 1 and 3. 
 
Fire investigators have ruled the fire cause as unattended cooking and damage estimates are less then $1,000.00
 
The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that working smoke alarm do save lives. In this case, had it not been for the working smoke alarm, the fire could have easily grown out of control, endangering the occupants and causing significant damage to the home. 
 
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button. Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. To ensure adequate protection, place smoke alarms in every sleeping room, and in a common area on every floor. 
 If you can not afford a smoke alarm, call the Columbia Fire Department at 573-874-7556 to schedule an appointment to have free smoke alarms installed. For residences who need assistance in checking their smoke alarms, they can also contact the Columbia Fire Department.