[Press Release] : City of Columbia Missouri Information Request

[Press Releases]

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp
573-499-7035 - Duty PIO Pager (24 hours - PLEASE no voice mail)
573-874-77557 Office (M-F, 8-5)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
COOKING RELATED FIRE DAMAGES COLUMBIA HOME
Columbia Fire Fighters were called at 9:09 am on Thursday, July 15, 2010 to 1043 North Cooper Drive for the report of a residential structure fire.
Fire crews arrived on the scene reporting smoke coming from the front of the residence and found a small fire in the kitchen which was quickly extinguished.
Assistant Fire Marshal Debbie Sorrell spoke with the resident, Ashley Ellison, 23, of Columbia and Ellison told her that she had turned on the stove to heat water to boil, went upstairs and then heard the smoke alarms activate a short time later. When Ellison investigated, she discovered a fire on the stove top, evacuated the residence and called 9-1-1 from her cell phone.
A preliminary damage estimate of $5,000.00 may be revised later. Primary fire damage was contained to the kitchen with light smoke damage throughout the residence.
Assistant Fire Marshal Sorrell, after examining scene evidence and interviewing Ellison, determined the origin of the fire was on the stove top. The fire was caused when combustible were placed to close to a heat source after Ellison turned on the incorrect burner and ignited a resin cutting board on the stovetop.
The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents to use caution when cooking, never leave cooking unattended, and that working smoke alarms do save lives. 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.
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