Fire District responds to two residential fires in 24 hours

COLUMBIA — Two residential fires were extinguished by the Boone County Fire Protection District in the past 24 hours, according to a district news release.

The first house fire occurred around 5:15 p.m. Friday at 18250 N. Adams Road outside Centralia and was determined to be accidental, the release said. According to the report, the flames originated in a bedroom, and firefighters were able to contain the damage to that area and the attic. The house sustained extensive heat and smoke damage estimated at $120,000. 

No injuries were reported, though several pets were lost in the fire, the release said.

The second fire occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 5555 W. Driskel Road, northwest of Columbia, the release said. Respondents were able to contain the fire to the attic and eaves of the residence.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, no damage estimates were available, though "the damage to the roof structure was extensive," said Division Chief Gale Blomenkamp.

According to the release, investigators determined the fire started in the space surrounding the house's flu pipe. Firefighters were reported to be on the scene for almost three hours, with units from Boone County Fire Protection District, the Columbia Fire Department and Boone Hospital Center responding. There were no injuries reported.