(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ On Sunday evening, the Columbia Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire on Nebraska Avenue. The call came in at 8:16 p.m., and the first fire company arrived within five minutes.

Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from a warehouse in the 500 block of Nebraska Avenue. They quickly forced entry into the building and were able to extinguish the fire within 20 minutes. Their swift actions also prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

According to officials, the structure and its contents were valued at $750,000. However, thanks to the efforts of the Columbia Fire Department, the dollar loss was limited to approximately $200,000. Thirteen fire companies with a total of 23 firefighters responded to the scene.

The Columbia Fire Department remained on site for several hours to assist with the investigation and ensure that all hidden fires were extinguished. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among firefighters or civilians.

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After conducting a thorough investigation, Columbia Fire Marshals determined that this was an incendiary fire caused by human factors. It was revealed that an unhoused individual or individuals had been camping in the area where the fire originated. The exact cause of ignition is still unknown, but it is believed that it started outside of the building.

Due to this incident, authorities have requested assistance from the Columbia Police Department in their investigation. It was also discovered that there were no working smoke detectors or alarms inside the building.

In light of this event, the Columbia Fire Department would like to remind residents about the importance of having functioning smoke alarms in their homes. These devices can save lives and should be placed on every level of a home and outside sleeping areas. It is recommended to check smoke alarms monthly by pressing their test button and change batteries at least twice a year when adjusting clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Smoke alarms over 10 years old should be replaced immediately.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Columbia Fire Department or the Columbia Police Department.

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