Columbia Fire Chief Clayton Farr Jr.

Longtime CPS safety director presents final report tonight; Columbia’s fire chief to address school board

June 12, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

The safety and security director at Columbia Public Schools (CPS) will deliver his final safety report this evening to the school board, before he retires.

John White is well-known by CPS students and former students. He’s served the district for 12 years, after retiring from the Columbia Police Department.

CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark tells 939 the Eagle that White has been instrumental in nearly every safety initiative that he’ll outline tonight. White’s seven-page report will say that the district now has more than 1,000 two-way radios, and that every classroom has a phone. White will also note there are emergency radios in every building, and that CPS has an E911 system, which allows for better tracking of 911 calls.

He’ll also outline the numerous training drills that take place at CPS schools, including active shooter training, tornado and fire.

Columbia fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. tells 939 the Eagle that he’s been asked to speak tonight before the board on a safety initiative. We’ll learn those details tonight.

UPDATE: Ameren Missouri clears downtown Columbia gas leak

March 9, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia’s fire chief says Ameren Missouri has controlled the natural gas leak that happened on Ninth street this morning.

Fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. tells 939 the Eagle that the leak led the self-evacuations of the Boone County Courthouse and the nearby Roger Wilson Government Center. The chief says both buildings are now re-occupied. No injuries are reported.

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL STORY FROM THIS MORNING:

Columbia’s fire chief says the Boone County Courthouse and nearby Roger Wilson Government Center have both self-evacuated this morning, due to an active natural gas leak on Ninth street.

Chief Clayton Farr Jr. tells 939 the Eagle that the natural gas leak is adjacent to the government building.

Chief Farr says the buildings self-evacuated out of an abundance of caution. He emphasizes that there are no injuries and that no gas has been detected in either building.

UPDATE: Columbia’s IHOP reopens following 2022 fire

March 5, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia’s IHOP re-opened last week, after being closed for more than a year (March 5, 2023 photo from 939 the Eagle’s Brian Hauswirth

Columbia’s popular IHOP restaurant has re-opened, after being closed for more than a year after a fire.

The restaurant, which is on Conley road, re-opened last week.

The February 2022 fire caused about $30,000 in damage, according to Columbia fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. The fire began on a stovetop grill.

The kitchen has been remodeled, and IHOP replaced the windows and all of the tables and booths inside. A 939 the Eagle reporter saw a full parking lot at IHOP on Sunday morning.

(AUDIO) Columbia has only certified arson detection canine team in Missouri

March 1, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia arson dog Tony and Columbia Fire Department battalion chief Jim Pasley prepare for a demonstration for reporters (February 3, 2023 photo courtesy of Columbia spokeswoman Sydney Olsen)

A $25,000-plus donation from State Farm Insurance has allowed the Columbia Fire Department to acquire a new arson dog and pay for its training in Maine.

Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Waner tells 939 the Eagle that arson dog Tony is impressive.

“He’s fast and he sticks in that spot so he’s disciplined and so that was really cool to see how quickly he gets to the conclusion,” Waner says.

Tony works directly with Columbia Fire Battalion chief Jim Pasley, and they’ve already been involved in a few investigations. Fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. is praising State Farm for the donation. He’s impressed with Tony and Mr. Pasley.

“We’re the only certified arson or accelerant detection canine team in the state. So for us it becomes a very big regional asset,” Chief Farr says.

Pasley and Tony recently did a demonstration for reporters, highlighting Tony’s ability to detect accelerants. Chief Farr and Mayor Pro Tem Waner watched it, with reporters and other citizens.

Columbia’s Golden Corral fire still under investigation

January 4, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia firefighters say the New Year’s Eve blaze at the Golden Corral caused $250,000 in damage to the restaurant (December 31, 2022 photo courtesy of Columbia Fire Department)

Columbia’s Golden Corral restaurant on Clark lane remains closed this morning, after that weekend blaze that caused heavy roof damage.

Columbia fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. tells 939 the Eagle that the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters say the New Year’s Eve fire originated from inside the restaurant. Damage is estimated aty $250,000.

No injuries are reported.