In the early hours of this morning, the family home of renowned author Sophie Cunningham was engulfed in flames following a suspected gas leak. The fire, which broke out around 6 a.m., quickly spread throughout the residence, prompting a swift response from the Columbia Fire Department.
According to initial reports, emergency services received a call from neighbors who noticed smoke and flames coming from the Cunningham residence located in the north suburban area of Columbia. Firefighters arrived promptly and worked tirelessly for over an hour to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident as the family had already evacuated the home prior to the arrival of the fire crew.
Preliminary investigations by the fire department suggest that a gas leak in the kitchen area may have triggered the fire. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the cause and to ensure safety measures are followed to prevent future incidents.
Sophie Cunningham, known for her award-winning novels and contributions to Missouri’s literary community, expressed her shock and gratitude that her family escaped unharmed. “It’s heartbreaking to see our home like this, but we are thankful everyone is safe,” she said in a brief statement this afternoon.
The Cunningham family currently has no immediate plans to return to the property as assessments of structural damage continue. Community members and local officials have offered their support during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of safety and vigilance when dealing with household gas appliances.
The Columbia Fire Department urges residents to regularly check gas lines and appliances and to install carbon monoxide detectors to help prevent similar tragedies. Further updates on the investigation and recovery efforts will be provided as more information becomes available.
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