Tossed cigarette to blame for Columbia fire, officials say
Columbia fire officials said “improperly discarded smoking materials” were the cause of a house fire Sunday.
Fire crews were sent to 1701 Cliff Drive near Boone Hospital Center at about 2:36 p.m. for a house fire, according to a Columbia Fire Department press release. Crews arrived four minutes later and found the rear deck and side of the house on fire.
The fire was under control in about 10 minutes, the department said, but the outside of the home had heavy fire damage and the inside had minor smoke and fire damage. Three people were home at the time and got out safe.
The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire started on the rear deck, according to the release.
