Columbia Fire Department Responds to Rising Incidents of Warming Fires
COLUMBIA — Since January 2024, the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) has responded to 18 incidents of "warming fires," totaling 67 hours of service and producing estimated damages between $0 and $250,000. The most significant damage occurred in March at the Ninth Street Noodles and Company, according to Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.
Warming fires, typically smaller and more controlled than larger structure fires, are ignited by individuals seeking warmth, often in unauthorized areas. “Oftentimes they are legal if they are on your property. However, the majority of the calls we respond to are on property that people are trespassing on, or on public property, which is not allowed," Schaeffer explained.
Since taking over as chief in August 2023, Schaeffer has noted notable changes in Columbia’s fire incidents. “It’s been both exciting, and it’s been really interesting to see the differences in Columbia prior and Columbia now," he stated.
The first warming fire incident was recorded on January 2, 2024, at Vandiver Drive, with no estimated losses. The most recent call on October 20 happened at a Nebraska Avenue warehouse, resulting in a devastating loss of $200,000. In total, five arrests have been made across the 18 events, which have culminated in an estimated total loss of $682,200.
As warming fires pose both psychological comfort and dangerous risks to property and public safety, the CFD urges community members to ensure fires are managed responsibly and legally to prevent further incidents. The increase in calls highlights the need for awareness about both the dangers of unauthorized fires and the role they play in community safety.
Source
Photo credit www.komu.com