A Columbia resident called 911 on Sunday morning after a home began filling with smoke.
The Columbia Fire Department arrived five minutes after the call was made to Woodstock Trailer Court, located at 3501 New Haven Road, where they found heavy smoke coming from the roof.
“Three fire engines, a ladder and a rescue squad were dispatched to the scene,” Battalion Chief Brad Fraizer said. “That’s typical for any residential structure fire.”
The firefighters saw heavy smoke coming from the roof and found flames around a fireplace and adjoining wall inside, according to the Columbia Fire Department news release. They extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of an aggressive attack, then overhauled the damage by removing burnt drywall and charred insulation, which took them about an hour.
Two adults and two children were home at the time of the fire, but no one was injured.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation. Columbia Fire Investigator Lisa Todd estimates the damages to be about $40,000.
“Smoke alarms provide early notification (of fires), so we encourage everyone to have a working one in their home,” Fraizer said. “Batteries should be replaced twice a year, and we encourage residents to do it when they change their clocks.”
Columbia residents should be reminded that working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month by pressing the test button, and batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
“Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years,” Fraizer said.
Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping room and in a common area on every floor to ensure adequate protection, the news release stated.
The Columbia Fire Department installs smoke alarms for free for those who need one. If you or someone you know cannot afford a smoke alarm, call the Columbia Fire Department at 573-874-7556 to schedule an appointment to have a smoke alarm installed. Residents who need help checking their smoke alarms can also contact the Columbia Fire Department.
