[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1403 Bass Ave - Update

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp, Fire Marshal
(573)- 874-7557  Office  M-F  8-5
(573)- 499-7035  Media Pager (Enter number you wish the PIO to call - do not leave voice mail)

1403 Bass Ave - Update

COLUMBIA, MO (August 20, 2011) - Fire Investigators have determined that the fire at 1403 Bass Ave at 2:59 am on Saturday, August 20, 2011 began on the front porch of the home, in an upholstered couch (sofa). While the official cause of the fire remains undetermined, discarded smoking materials or fireworks are possible causes.

Fire investigators also updated the damage estimate to $50,000. which includes structure and contents.

The house was occupied by four students, all of which had moved in this past week. The occupant of the front bedroom who's window faced the front porch, Ross Durbin, 21, was awoke by a noise just before 3 am. Durbin stated he smelled smoke and then awoke the other occupants of the house, another roommate on the first floor and two in the basement. They then exited the home safely and were outside when fire fighters arrived.

Fire investigators located working smoking alarms in the basement of  the home, but were unable to locate smoke alarms on the main level.

Several lessons can be learned from this event:

*Smoke alarms are a big deal - test the smoke alarms when you move in and every month afterwards by simply depressing the test button. The most common cause of smoke alarms failing to work is missing or dead batteries. If the smoke alarm does not work, replace the battery or notify the landlord immediately. Don't take batteries out of smoke alarms and don't remove smoke alarms.

*Have an escape plan. In the event of fire, know two ways out of each room in the house and two ways out of the house. Make sure exits are kept clear of furniture and other items. 

*Don't keep upholstered furniture on porches or decks. It's against city ordinance to do so and the fire load caused by upholstered furniture is very high. Once it ignites, it burns very quickly and produces very large amounts of heat causing fire to spread rapidly. 

*Renters insurance is a great value! The insurance policy the landlord carries on the building does not protect the tenants against loss. And, in the event a fire is accidentally caused by a tenant, the renters insurance can protect the tenant if the owners insurance company subrogates the claim. 

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