Columbia duplex fire causes $40,000 in damage
POSTED: 10:21 AM CDT Jul 06, 2013   A duplex fire in Columbia
caused thousands of dollars in damage Friday afternoon.  The
Columbia Fire Department was called to the 3500 block of
Berkshire Court for a structure fire and upon arrival, found
smoke coming from a dryer vent.  Firefighters say they found a
laundry door on fire and were able to quickly put out the flames
in the laundry room area.  Crews checked the adjacent duplex and
found only minor smoke conditions.  Residents of both homes were
able to evacuate and there were no injuries.  The fire caused
about $40,000 in damage, but the cause is still unknown. The
fire marshal is investigating.