Duplex damaged in early-morning fire
A fire damaged one side of a duplex outside the Columbia city limits Friday morning. The fire started on Demaret Drive at around 4:30 a.m.
Five people were inside the single-story duplex at the time, and all got out with no injuries. Only the one side of the duplex was damaged.
Firefighters said the fire started in the laundry room near the furnace. The fire then spread to the kitchen. Officials estimate the fire did around $50,000 in smoke and heat damage.
An official cause has not been determined.
The American Red Cross is helping the five residents by providing them with food, clothing and a temporary stay in a motel.
