Update Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020
According to Adair County Volunteer fireman and information officer Donald Hare the Columbia City Fire Department responded to 516 Burkesville St. to a vacant house on fire of property owned by the City of Columbia. The call came in at 9:48 p.m. and the house was totally engulfed upon firefighters arrival and was a total loss. There were 18 firemen on the scene for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The origin of the fire is still being investigated.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2020
A house on historic property located at 514 Burkesville Street that was purchased by the city of Columbia last December was destroyed by fire Sunday night.
The Columbia Fire Department was called to the property around 9:50 p.m. and the building was ablaze when firefighters arrived on the scene just a short time later.
Firefighters contacted Mayor Pam Hoots after they learned of the fire and they controlled the burn but did not attempt to enter the building due to safety concerns. The city had hoped to preserve the building when it was first purchased but also realized that it was in such a state of neglect that it was beyond repair.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Check back at adairvoice.com for updates on Monday.
Photos by Beth Holmes.
