[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fire Heavily Damages North Columbia Home

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Captain John Metz
Duty PIO Pager 573-499-7035 (24 hours - Please No Voice Mail)
Office 573-874-7644 (M-F, 8-5)


Fire Heavily Damages North Columbia Home

COLUMBIA, MO (February 16, 2012) - At 10:54 a.m. today the Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 5107 Hatteras Drivein north Columbia.

The first arriving fire units reported heavy black smoke coming from the rear of the single story residence with a walk-out basement.

Fire crews attacked the fire from both the front and rear of the structure and had the fire knocked down in approximately thirty minutes. During fire fighting efforts the interior stairway to the basement collapsed, compromising the integrity of the first floor and adding an additional challenge for the fire fighters. Crews remained on the scene for more than two hours extinguishing smoldering debris.

The owner of the home, and only occupant at the time of the fire, Jeremy Spillman, told fire investigators he was outside for a few minutes and when he attempted to go back in the house, it was filled with thick smoke. Spillman was able to evacuate his two dogs and called 9-1-1 from his cell phone.

Columbia Fire Department Fire Investigator Lt. Shawn McCollom determined that the fire started in the basement of the home and was electrical in nature. Lt. McCollom estimated the dollar loss at approximately $200,000 for the structure and contents. There were no injuries however the family's pet bird did not survive the fire. The house is not habitable and Spillman advised that his family would stay with relatives inColumbia.  

Six Columbia Fire Department units and one Boone County Fire District engine responded to the fire.

The Columbia Fire Department wants to remind residents 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 residents who need assistance in checking their smoke alarms, they can also contact the Columbia Fire Department.


This release has the following attachments:

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=62



http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=63



http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=64



 -30- 

______________________________________________________

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/