Monroe County Independent

Breaking News - April 6, 2010

Hope Christian Church Storage Shed Burns

A storage shed owned by Hope Christian Church was completely destroyed by fire today. Just after 1 p.m., a passerby noticed smoke billowing from the structure located between Hope Christian Church and Larry Toenjes’ farm on Coach Stop Road off of Route 3 between Waterloo and Columbia. Firefighters from Columbia, Waterloo and Millstadt were on the scene in minutes, but the structure was not able to be saved. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Hope Christian Church Pastor Darrell Jones said the contents destroyed in the fire included a brand new $14,000 John Deere lawn tractor, metal chairs and storage lockers. He said initially he does not have any idea how the fire started because the lawn mower wasn’t used since last Saturday and there was not electric running to the shed.

“I am thankful for the efforts of the firefighters and especially that no one was hurt,” he added.
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Hope Christian Church’s storage shed was heavily engulfed in flames as firefighters arrived on the scene.

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Waterloo and Columbia firefighters spray water on the burning shed fire.

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Waterloo Fire Chief Mark Yeager, left, and CVFD Pres. Rich Dreher work together to put out a burning shed.

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Hope Christian Church Pastor Darrell Jones, center, lists the contents of the shed to Columbia Fire Chief Mike Roediger, right. Looking on is neighbor Larry Toenjes.

Quick Action By Firefighter Prevents Kitchen Fire From Causing Much Damage

When Columbua Firefigthter Cole Dreher heard a fire call yesterday afternoon, April 5, for a kitchen fire, he recognized the address as his neighbor across the street. He picked up a fire extinguisher and ran across the street and into the home at 1002 Forrest View. Dreher was able to put out the stove fire before it had a chance to spread. When the Columbia fire trucks arrived a few minutes later, his fellow firefighters gave Dreher the glad hand. They then helped the homeowner get the smoke out of the residence and clean up some debris in the kitchen.

Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Don Sutter, left, and Firefighter David Barks exit the home after helping clean up following a kitchen fire. While bug fire trucks, ladders and hoses are often used, sometimes firefighters even need too use a mop to help in the line of duty.