3 fires in less than 12 hours in Jefferson City area

Fire officials in Jefferson City are still trying to determine what caused three fires only hours apart of each other.

At 10:00 Sunday morning, a fire broke out on Cherry Street at an apartment complex. At 10:00 that night a fire blazed at Cohen Auto Sales. Finally, fire crews were called out to Rainbow Lanes near Linn in the early hours of Monday morning.

Jason Turner at the Jefferson City Fire Department said these fires are not being caused by arson.

Although they are still being investigated, Turner said their main concern is people getting out of burning buildings.

He said the first thing people need to do is make sure their smoke detectors are working properly.

He said there’s no reason anyone should go without one.

“If you need one and you can’t afford a smoke detector there’s no reason not to have one because we’ll give you one,” said Turner.

He said in the event of a fire in a home or business there needs to be a plan put in place to ensure everyone gets out safely.

“Know what to do in the event of an emergency. Know that we ought to have a meeting place outside and don’t go back inside for anything. Then you dial 911,” said Turner.

Turner said there is nothing suspicious about the three fires as of Monday.

They are still talking to the nine people who lived in the apartments on Cherry Street.

As far as Cohen Auto Sales, Turner said they haven’t ruled out a secondary heating source, yet.

Jefferson City fire crews said in the winter months it’s not uncommon for people to leave secondary heating sources on to prevent things like pipes from freezing.

They ask if people are doing this to use extreme caution.