For Immediate Release:

Evening Fire Displaces Residents

On January 30, 2013, members of the Columbia Fire Department were dispatched at 5:08pm, to a reported residential structure fire at 1404 Hickory Street.

Fire crews arrived on the scene at 5:11pm and reported smoke coming from the attic and eaves. Crews entered the home and made access to the attic where they encountered a small fire.  The fire was knocked down a few minutes later.  Crews spent an additional forty minutes overhauling the area checking for fire extension and evacuating smoke from the home.

Assistant Fire Marshal, Lieutenant Lisa Todd is investigating the fire and has determined the area of origin to be the attic.  As of this press release the exact cause is undetermined.  Damage is estimated at $5,000.

The home had working smoke alarms that alerted the two adult occupants of 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 cannot 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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