For Immediate Release:

Small Fire on Roof Forces Evacuation of Quality Inn Motel

Columbia Fire Fighters were called at 1:01 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, to 1612 Providence Rd N, Quality Inn Motel, for a reported commercial structure fire. While en-route companies were informed there was smoke in the lobby and the motel was being evacuated.

Upon their arrival, at 1:05 crews reported light smoke showing. Then approximately 1 minute later incoming units reported heavy smoke from the roof area above the lobby of the motel. Further investigation revealed that roofing materials over the lobby area were burning but crews were finding it difficult to locate the area of origin or the cause of the fire. At 1:19 a second alarm was requested by the incident commander for personnel.

Assistant Fire Marshal Lisa Todd investigated the fire and determined the cause of the fire was an electrical malfunction on the roof above the lobby that ignited the roofing materials. She also issued a preliminary damage estimate of $20,000. There were no injuries associated with this 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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