Double fires spark arson investigation

Monday, September 29, 2008 | 2:03 p.m. CDT

COLUMBIA — Within a matter of four hours, firefighters responded to two separate structure fires at 3611 Greeley Drive in northeast Columbia on Sunday night. No one was injured, Steven Sapp, Columbia Fire Department battalion chief, said.

The first call occurred at 9:15 p.m. with a report that a shed located behind the Greeley Drive residence was on fire. The shed was destroyed.

About four hours later, 14 firefighters with seven vehicles responded to a second fire at the same address. Firefighters fought the blaze, which began on the western side of the duplex and spread to the house's attic, for 20 minutes before the fire was under control, Sapp said.

Sapp said the Fire Department is investigating the blazes.

"These fires were intentionally set," he said. "We have ruled out all accidental causes."

Sapp was not able to say if the investigation had pinpointed any suspects.

"We haven't ruled anyone out," he said.

Total damage was estimated to be about $122,000 for the two buildings and their contents - $2,000 for the shed and $120,000 for the duplex.

Anyone with information about either fire is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 875-TIPS.

 

COLUMBIA — Within a matter of four hours, firefighters responded to two separate structure fires at 3611 Greeley Drive in northeast Columbia on Sunday night. No one was injured, Steven Sapp, Columbia Fire Department battalion chief, said.

The first call occurred at 9:15 p.m. with a report that a shed located behind the Greeley Drive residence was on fire. The shed was destroyed.  

About four hours later, 14 firefighters with seven vehicles responded to a second fire at the same address. Firefighters fought the blaze, which began on the western side of the duplex and spread to the house's attic, for twenty minutes before the fire was under control, Sapp said.

Sapp said the fire department is investigating the blaze.

"These fires were intentionally set," he said. "We have ruled out all accidental causes."

Sapp was not able to say if the investigation had pinpointed any suspects.

"We haven't ruled anyone out," he said.

Total damage was estimated to be about $122,000 for the two buildings and their contents — $2,000 for the shed and $120,000 for the duplex.

Anyone with information about either fire is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 875-TIPS.  

 

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