Columbia Fire Department responds to residential structure fire, Jan. 23

On Friday, Jan. 23, at 11:18 a.m., Columbia Fire Department (CFD) units were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 4300 block of Langham Drive.

CFD arrived within four minutes to find heavy smoke billowing from a two-story home. Firefighters entered the home and located flames in the lower level of the structure. The incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, bringing a total of 17 CFD units and 41 personnel to the scene.

Crews first initiated an offensive attack, fighting the flames from inside the home. Due to the level of toxic smoke and heat in the home, firefighters were evacuated from the structure at 11:43 a.m. to reassess the situation and ensure the safety of the structure before initiating a defensive attack. The fire was under control in approximately 35 minutes.

Residents were not home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Unfortunately, a dog, a bird and a fish perished at the scene.

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 of the following safety tips when utilizing or operating a clothes dryer:

• Have your clothes dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the clothes dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure to clean the lint filter as well as any lint around the drum before or after each load of laundry.
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe annually or contact a clothes dryer lint removal service to clean the vent pipe for you.
• Always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and don't overload the clothes dryer.
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies or clothing.
• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances like gasoline, paint thinner or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry, then may be washed and dried as usual.
• Turn the clothes dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
• Call 911 in case of emergencies or 311 for non-emergencies.

Attachments:

• Columbia Fire Department responds to residential structure fire, Jan. 23

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