Duplex fire closes north Columbia street; suspect charged with arson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A duplex fire in north Columbia led police to shut down a city street Friday and led to a woman's arrest on suspicion of arson.

The fire on Newton Drive was called out at about 10 a.m., according to a Columbia Fire Department spokesperson. It wasn't immediately clear what caused the fire -- the spokesperson said the fire marshal was at the scene investigating on Friday morning.

No serious injuries were reported, but medics evaluated a woman who had been inside the house and took her to a hospital for an unrelated illness.

A Columbia Fire Department release said firefighters found flames and heavy smoke coming from the duplex when they arrived. There was high heat and heavy fire inside, the release states. Flames were put out in four minutes.

Anjaleque Bragg, 31, was charged with one count of first-degree arson, according to court records. Bragg, who was found outside sitting on a box with several items beside her, told police she started the fire in the duplex because she did not want to live there anymore, and wanted to die in the fire, according to a probable cause statement.

Bragg said she used lighter fluid and a match to start the fire next to back door, and that she knew her mother was still home, the statement says.

Leslie Lane was closed between Providence Road and Garth Avenue during the response, according to an alert sent by dispatchers.