JEFF HAWKES | Staff WriterFour adults and a child escaped a fire Sunday evening that extensively damaged two row homes in Columbia, officials said. No injuries were reported.
Fire of an undetermined cause broke out about 7:15 p.m. at 317 Perry St. and spread to the attached house at 319 Perry St., Chief Douglas Kemmerly of the Columbia Fire Department said.
Both homes were condemned as a result of the blaze, Kemmerly said. A state police fire marshal was investigating the cause.
The American Red Cross was assisting the five displaced people with lodging. Functioning smoke detectors were in the homes, Kemmerly said.
A second alarm was called to help relieve first responders fatigued by working in the high heat and humidity, Kemmerly said.
Firefighters were on the scene for about three hours.
ABIGAIL KING | Staff Writer
