[Press Release] : City of Columbia Missouri Information Request

[Press Releases]

For Immediate Release:
Outside Fire Extends to Attic Causing Extensive Damage - UPDATE

Columbia Fire Fighters were called at 19:25 pm on Thursday, November 04, 2010, to 5510 Arrowwood Dr in North East Columbia for a reported residential structure fire.

Fire crews arrived on the scene and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. The homeowners, Barri Bumgarmer, Marsha Tyson along with two dogs, were in the structure at the time of the fire. An orange glow in the back door window alerted them to the outside fire, which they attempted to extinguish, with a portable fire extinguisher before exiting the structure. Both occupants and the dogs exited the structure before crews arrived on the scene. Marsha Tyson suffered smoke inhalation while attempting to fight the fire, was evaluated by Paramedics at the scene, and was not transported to the Hospital. There were no other injuries as a result of this fire.  

Fire Investigators have determined that hot embers falling from a barbeque grill, that had just been used, ignited the leaves that were under it. The fire then involved the siding on the structure and extended into the attic space via the eves on the roof. Investigators have also issued a damage estimate of $ 60,000.00. 
 
The home had working smoke detectors but they did not alert the residents to the fire because the fire started outside of the structure. 

The Columbia Fire Department wants to remind residents that working smoke alarms do save lives. This weekend, 11/6/10, we are urging residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks on Saturday evening.  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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