Jefferson City fire leaves expensive equipment fried and workers displaced
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
A fire at a Jefferson City building has forced workers to move to a new building and lose costly equipment.
An Office of Administration press release stated impacted state agencies are working to relocate team members to alternative work locations and replace equipment that has been destroyed from the fire.
The fire happened at 1621 E. Elm Street Monday night. Officials say firefighters made it to the scene before 10 p.m. Jefferson City police officers and ambulances also responded to the scene.
Around 100 employees occupy the building from both the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Office of Administration’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD). The ITSD supports DSS.
ITSD director Jeff Wann says that some employees have worked in the building for 20 years.
One state employee, who didn't want to be identified, said the state conducts yearly disaster recovery drills, so they were well prepared for situations like this.
"First and foremost, we are happy to report that no state team member, first responder, or citizen was hurt as a result of this fire," Gov. Mike Parson said in a release. "It is important for Missourians to know that state operations and services will continue uninterrupted thanks to our dedicated team members across state government who are stepping up to assist their teammates at DSS and ITSD."
In that statement from the governor's office, Robert Knodell, Acting Director of the Department of Social Services, said their team is important and that he was also happy no injuries were reported
"Material items and equipment can be replaced, but our team is invaluable. We will continue to work closely with those who were impacted to make sure they have the resources and support they need to not only continue serving Missouri citizens but also to take care of their personal health and wellbeing at this time," Knodell said.
Police blocked off Elm Street as of 10:50 p.m. Monday but reopened it Tuesday. At the time of the fire, officials told ABC 17 news to stay a safe distance from the building because a large number of computers made concerns about toxic fumes.
The state says a contractor has been on-site to begin recovery and disposal of state-owned equipment.
Fire crews said Tuesday evening that the state has plans to send a recovery team in to salvage anything that can be recovered before the remainder of the building is demolished.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated and we are working to get more details.
