Cole County sign shop fire suspected to be caused by machinery
Madison Stuerman
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A section of a Cole County business collapsed after a fire broke out Friday evening.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F shared a video on X of a building on fire at Bee Seen Signs in the 500 block of Babe Ruth Drive, just outside Jefferson City, around 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Regional West Fire Protection District Chief Jack Brade told ABC 17 News that when crews first arrived on scene, flames were shooting through the roof of the building.
One employee was inside of the business when the fire started due to machinery in the warehouse, according to Brade. The individual tried to put out the fire, but it spread too rapidly and they burned their hand.
MSHP Sgt. Kyle Green told ABC 17 News that the person was able to get out safely.
Jefferson City Fire, Cole County EMS and fire and Cole County Sheriff’s Office were also on the scene. Brade said that due to the size of the building, it took crews a some time to get the fire contained. Crews had to make a few breaks in the building to contain the fire.
The fire primarily destroyed the building’s front office and part of the warehouse, with the center roof collapsing.
Brade adds that during structural fires like Friday’s, steel buildings often twist due to the heat and cause buildings to collapse, which can make firefighting difficult.
One RWFPD firefighter was taken to the hospital for exhaustion as a precaution and is stable. Brade said crews were fortunate that bystanders nearby provided water for crews during the fire.
Crews left the scene at around 3:45 a.m.
An ABC 17 News reporter spoke with two employees of Bee Seen Signs Saturday morning. They said business will “keep on rolling,” with plans to set up a temporary office and continue with sign installations.