Columbia Fire Department responds to appliance fire in a commercial structure, Jan. 15

On Thursday, Jan. 15, at 2:43 p.m., Columbia Fire Department (CFD) units were dispatched to a commercial structure fire in the 30 block of North Eighth Street.

CFD arrived within two minutes to find an active appliance fire in a basement. Extinguishing the fire within five minutes, firefighters were able to contain the flames to the appliance and limit fire damage to the area of origin. Smoke from the fire extended throughout the basement of the business and an adjacent business, requiring firefighters to forcibly ventilate two structures to make the area safe from high levels of carbon monoxide.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

A total of 10 CFD units comprising 21 personnel responded to this incident.

The Columbia Fire Marshals have determined the cause to be an accidental fire that started in a clothes dryer.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling (or on a wall no closer than four inches from the ceiling) on every level of your home and outside of places where people sleep. Check your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Change your smoke alarm batteries at least twice per year when adjusting your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Replace any smoke alarm over 10 years old.

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.