Fire at north Columbia home causes $200,000 in damage

COLUMBIA — A fire at a north Columbia home caused an estimated $200,000 in damage Monday night, said Gale Blomenkamp, a division chief with the Boone County Fire Protection District.

Fire crews responded to 106 Copper Mountain Drive just before 11:30 p.m. after a jogger called 911 after seeing smoke and flames from the roof of the house, Blomenkamp said.

Neighbors knocked on the front door to alert homeowners, Shaun and Tracey Bradshaw and their 7-month-old child, who were asleep at the time. The family was able to escape without any injuries, Blomenkamp said.

Firefighters fought the heavy smoke and flames for about 15 minutes before they were extinguished, though crews remained on the scene for another three hours.

Investigators believe the fire to be accidental and caused by an improperly disposed cigarette, Blomenkamp said. It is believed to have started in or near the living room.

While the family was unharmed, Blomenkamp said firefighters did rescue a kitten from the blaze. They performed first aid on the animal, and it is said to be in good health.

Although the house was equipped with smoke detectors, it is unclear whether they sounded or not, Blomenkamp said.