Columbia Fire Department responds to residential structure fire, April 17

At approximately 7:44 a.m. Friday, April 17, Columbia Fire Department (CFD) companies were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 2800 block of Isherwood Drive.

CFD companies arrived within six minutes to find heavy smoke and fire coming from a single-story duplex with a walk-out basement. Firefighters immediately entered the structure to simultaneously search for residents and begin fire attack. While crews were operating inside the home extinguishing the flames, firefighters operating on the exterior strategically employed vertical ventilation by cutting holes in the roof to stop the spread of smoke and fire. Companies had the fire safely under control within approximately 20 minutes of arrival.

Three occupants had evacuated the structure prior to CFD arrival and no injuries were reported. Unfortunately, two dogs perished at the scene. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours to search for and extinguish any hidden fire.

A total of five fire companies, three chief officers and one safety captain with 20 personnel responded to the scene.

The Columbia Fire Marshals Battalion has conducted an investigation into the origin and cause and has determined the fire to be accidental in nature, caused by candles.

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.