Officials: Decorative rope light sparked home fire near the Business Loop

Crews battled a structure fire in central Columbia Wednesday night. Investigators later confirmed a decorative rope light on the back deck of the home actually caused the flames.

Columbia fire responded to the home off Parkade Boulevard, near Texas Avenue and Business Loop just after 6:30 p.m.

Officials say several 911 callers reported flames coming from the home. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found flames coming from the back and the attic.

They were able to put out everything within 20 to 30 minutes.

One person was home at the time, but there were no injuries. The early damage estimate is between $50-80,000.

The Columbia Fire Department wants to remind everyone to check their smoke alarms for working batteries. If the alarm is over 10 years old it should be replaced.