Fire rips through west Columbia house

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Fire caused heavy damage to a house Thursday morning in west Columbia, causing a pet to need medical treatment.

Firefighters were sent to the home at 1309 W. Worley St. a little before noon and found flames coming from all sides of the house, Columbia Fire Department Capt. Jeffrey Heidenreich said.

Six firetrucks were called to the scene along with police -- who controlled traffic -- and an ambulance. Part of Worley Street was shut down while firefighters worked.

Heidenreich said a caller reported the fire but a person on foot also reported it in person at nearby Station No. 2. That allowed firefighters to get there before the fire was even dispatched, he said.

Three pets escaped unharmed but a cat needed medical treatment at the scene.

The cause of the fire and the cost of the damage were not immediately known. Two fire marshals were at the house investigating early Thursday afternoon.