93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Columbia fire investigators confirm they are close to finishing reports on two recent major fires in the city in the past month, including one that they’ve described as suspicious.
Columbia fire department spokeswoman Katherine Rodriguez tells 939 the Eagle that firefighters are finishing investigative reports on the suspicious March 17th fire that caused heavy damage to Noodles and Company on South Ninth street downtown, and on the March 22 two-alarm blaze that caused extensive damage to structures in the 900 block of Business Loop 70 East. Ms. Rodriguez says those reports should be released soon. No injuries were reported in either fire.
A 939 the Eagle reporter took a photo of the Noodles restaurant this weekend and it remains closed, with yellow signs announcing that on the front door and windows. Columbia fire marshals are asking anyone who saw anyone in the alleyway between the apartment complex north of Noodles and Company from 11:30 pm on March 16 and 7 am that Sunday to call Columbia Crimestoppers at (573) 875-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
CFD is also still investigating the March 22 blaze on the Business Loop that damaged multiple businesses and closed the Business Loop for several hours. The incident commander on-scene called for a second-alarm that morning, and an air truck and aerial ladders had to be used to battle the fire and to protect adjacent attached buildings. Columbia firefighters have not said yet if that blaze is believed to be suspicious.
