North Columbia duplex fire accidentally started in clothes dryer; cat dies, kittens not found

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A fire that occurred Monday morning at a duplex in northern Columbia was ruled accidental, according to a press release from the Columbia Fire Department.  

The release says the fire in the 2800 block of North Willowbrook Drive was started in a clothes dryer.

A cat died in the fire and two kittens “are currently unaccounted for,” according to the release. Two people were evaluated for injuries at the scene, but declined medical treatment or transportation to a hospital, according to the release.

Firefighters were called at 7:56 a.m., arrived within four minutes and saw smoke and flames coming from the back of the building. The fire was found in the basement and the back of the home and was under control within 15 minutes, according to the release.

There were 22 firefighters at the scene.