City Of Columbia Police Department: Crimestoppers: Joint Investigation Regarding Recent Fires

Press release from the City of Columbia Police Department:

May 27, 2021

The Columbia Police and Fire Departments are investigating the causes of three fires that occurred in the Booker-Washington Heights neighborhood. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incidents.

While investigators acknowledge that the fires all happened in close proximity to each other, they cannot say with certainty if the fires are connected. The investigations are in the infancy stages and investigators continue to gather information to determine if the fires were intentionally set or not.

Here is a recap of the incidents:

May 23, 2021 | 7:30 p.m. | 3416 Carver Street | Vacant House

While on proactive patrol, a Metro Region officer noticed thick, black smoke in the area and notified the Columbia Fire Department (CFD). The officer found a vacant house damaged. Fire crews immediately responded to extinguish the flames. Unknown estimated cost of damages.

May 26, 2021 | 8:49 a.m. | 2617 High Circle | Vacant House

CPD and CFD were dispatched to the location after a citizen called 9-1-1 after seeing smoke coming from the unoccupied home. At this time, it appears that the fires may have various places of origin. Estimated cost of damages – $50,000.

This press release was produced by the City of Columbia Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.