At 12:14 p.m. the Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire near the intersection of Hendrix Drive and Sylvan Lane. Columbia firefighters arrived on the scene three minutes later at 12:17 p.m. to find smoke and fire coming from the right rear corner of apartment "B" of the duplex at 2307 Hendrix Drive,

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire on the outside of the duplex and spent about ten minutes extinguishing fire that had traveled into the attic of the duplex. The fire on the outside of the building also involved a vehicle parked next to the duplex.

Fire damage was contained to the attic, one outside wall and an interior bedroom and bathroom ceiling. There was light smoke and water damage to the remainder of the four bedroom duplex.

At the time of this release, Columbia Assistant Fire Marshal Lt. Shawn McCollom was on the scene trying to determine an origin and cause of the fire. A preliminary damage estimate for the structure is set at $35,000. No one was in the duplex when firefighters arrived and there were no injuries.

Three engines, a ladder, and rescue squad responded the blaze. Fire crews remained on the scene for approximately two hours.

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.

Photos are attached to this release.