[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mid-day Unattended Cooking Fire Damages North Central Columbia Home

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp
(573) 875-7557 Office   M-F  8-5
(573) 499-7035 Media Pager - Enter number to call



Mid-day Unattended Cooking Fire Damages North Central Columbia Home

COLUMBIA, MO (March 17, 2012) - Columbia Fire Fighters were dispatched to 2810 Mulberry Dr. at 12:03 PM on Saturday, March 17, 2012 after neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the home. 

Fire fighters arrived to find fire and smoke coming from the front of the home. An occupant of the home had left to purchase some items at a nearby store, and upon returning just before arriving fire company's, entered the home to release a dog from its crate. The occupant reported that smoke was banked down close to the floor. 

Fire fighters found fire in the kitchen area of the home and extinguished the fire in less than five (5) minutes. Fire fighters then ventilated smoke from the home and conducted overhaul (searching for hidden fire in ceilings, walls, and the attic) for about 20 minutes. 

Columbia Fire Department fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be a burner on the stove left on with a pan of grease on the burner. The origin of the fire was on the stove top and the cause was determined to be accidental. 

Damage to the structure and the contents was estimated to be around $50,000.00. There were no injuries to the occupant, the dog, or the occupant who entered the structure. Smoke alarms were present and appeared functional.

Columbia fire fighters urge our customers to ensure cooking appliances are turned off before leaving the room or leaving the home. Unattended cooking fires continue to be the leading cause of home fires in Columbia, and one of the leading causes of fire across the country. Our customers are also reminded that working smoke alarms save lives. Install and maintain smoke alarms on each level of your home and in each sleeping room.


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