Residential Structure Fire on Melbourne Street

(COLUMBIA, MO) - The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 307 Melbourne on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 4:38 pm.  Callers reported flames coming from the home.

The first unit arrived less than four minutes later and reported heavy smoke and fire from the rear window of a single-story home.  Fire crews deployed a pre-connected hose line and began an aggressive, interior fire attack.  A second pre-connected hose line was deployed to extinguish fire that had extended to the attic.  The incident was brought under control in approximately fifteen minutes. Fire crews were able to contain the fire and damage to the rear of the home. and a small portion of the attic.

There was no one home at the time of the fire however one cat was safely rescued.  An Assistant Fire Marshal was dispatched to perform a fire origin and cause investigation.  It was determined the origin of the fire was a storage room in the southwest portion of the home.  The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. Damage is estimated at $16,000.  

Seven units from the Columbia Fire Department responded to this call.  There were no reported injuries.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents that smoke alarms save lives.  You should have one smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside places where people sleep.  Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.  Replace smoke alarm batteries every six months.