[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Garage Fire Damages South Columbia Home

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Captain John Metz
Duty PIO Pager 573-499-7035 (Key in Number to Call - No Voice Mail)
Office 573-874-7644 (M-F, 8-5)


Garage Fire Damages South Columbia Home

COLUMBIA, MO (June 27, 2012) - At 6:22 a.m. today the Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 4301 Vermont Court, at the intersection of Vermont Court and Sudbury Drive, in south Columbia.

Fire fighters arrived on the scene to find black smoke pouring from the eaves and roof vents of the two-story home and fire coming from around the top of a garage door. Fire fighters breached the garage door and quickly extinguished the fire in the garage. After containing the fire to the garage, fire fighters worked for about an hour removing smoke from the home.

The occupants of the home were asleep when the fire occurred and were alerted to the fire by the home's smoke alarms. Neighbors who saw the smoke also pounded on the front door to notify the occupants. Fire fighters assisted the four occupants from the home and also safely removed a cat and a dog.

Columbia Assistant Fire Marshal Lt. Debbie Sorrell investigated the fire and determined the fire to be accidental, a result of smoldering embers from some torch work in a garage workshop. A preliminary damage estimate of $25, 000 has been established. The home remains inhabitable as most of the damage was contained to the garage.

There were no injuries. Five fire trucks and sixteen fire fighters responded to the blaze. Crews were on the scene for an hour and a half.

"This is another great example of how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home" said Columbia Fire Captain John Metz. "Early notification is key to getting out before a fire blocks your exit" Metz said.

 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.


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