COLUMBUS, Neb.- On Thursday just after 2:00 a.m., the Columbus Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 600 block of 15th Avenue. The call was received by the Columbus–Platte County Joint Communications Center via 911.
Crews arrived on scene at approximately 2:15 a.m. to find a single-story, multi-family residence with smoke showing. A total of 6 apparatus and 15 firefighters responded. Firefighters made entry and conducted an aggressive interior fire attack and search, bringing the fire under control at approximately 2:25 a.m.
All occupants had safely evacuated and were accounted for prior to the department’s arrival. One adult and three minors were evaluated for minor smoke inhalation; all declined treatment and transport. No other civilians or firefighters were injured.
Fire damage was contained to the room of origin, but both units of the residence sustained smoke damage throughout. Occupants of both units have been displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The estimated loss is still being assessed.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and electrical. No foul play is suspected. Smoke detectors were present in the residence. Whether they were operational at the time of this fire has not been confirmed.
“Working smoke detectors are the single most important thing in your home for surviving a fire. They give you the seconds you need to get out, and those seconds save lives,” said Captain Derek Salak. “Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace them every ten years.”
“We are thankful this fire ended with everyone safe. We are grateful to the American Red Cross and our partner agencies, the Columbus Police Department and the Columbus-Platte County Joint Communications Center, for their quick response and support,” said Fire Chief Ryan Gray.
For more information, contact Fire Chief Ryan Gray at ryan.gray@columbusne.us.