Fire at Mills Accounting caused by decorative tree on porch 

 

COLUMBUS—A Columbus business building was a total loss after it burned Friday evening, according to the Columbus Fire Department.  

Columbus Fire Chief Tony Priester said his department was dispatched at 8:07 p.m. Friday for a structure fire with possible people inside.  

The fire was at Mills Accounting, located on South Peake Street in Columbus.  

“When we arrived flames were shooting approximately 20 foot above the structure,” Priester said. “All the occupants inside had made it out safely, with no injury.”  

Priester said Columbus firefighters put the fire out quickly. The cause of the fire was determined to have started on the front porch from a decorative tree with lights on it, Priester said.  

“The flames quickly spread into the front office of the structure,” Priester said. “We were able to save most of all the important paperwork. The building sustained heavy smoke damage.”  

Priester said the building is a total loss.  

The business was located at 667 South Peake Street, and by Monday was reopened at 669 South Peake Street.  

“The outpouring of love and support from the community has been tremendous,” said April Kelley.