Columbia Fire Department

(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.

Heavy law enforcement presence near Jefferson City on Wednesday is part of training exercise

February 15, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Boone County’s Office of Emergency Management and other mid-Missouri law enforcement agencies are alerting motorists that they will see a high volume of first responders near Highways 63 and 54 in northern Jefferson City this afternoon.

It’s all part of a hazardous material training exercise, and will take place from 1-4. The Columbia fire department, Jefferson City fire department, Holts Summit fire department and the Cole County Sheriff’s department are just a few of the agencies that will be participating today.

You’re being asked to not call 911, unless you’re reporting an actual emergency. The training will take place in the old Cedar City neighborhood, and the Boone County Office of Emergency Management says it’s open to the public.

Heavy law enforcement presence near Jefferson City on Wednesday is part of training exercise

February 15, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia house fire ruled accidental; began inside a microwave oven

February 7, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia firefighters say Monday’s fire that caused extensive damage to a home on Bullhead lane was accidental in nature.

There were no injuries in the fire, which started just before noon on Monday in the 4800 block of Bullhead, which is near Mexico Gravel road in northeast Columbia. Fire investigators say the fire originated within a microwave oven in the kitchen area.

Damage to the home is estimated at $40,000. There is smoke and fire damage to the one-story structure.

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.