The Columbia Fire Department responded shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday to a structure fire at 2405 Lakeshore Drive, located near Micah’s Way in the Columbia Lakes subdivision.

The fire was reportedly extinguished within a short amount of time, but a large amount of smoke required ventilation from the residence.

Ameren also responded to the scene.

Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Jim Broshears said the house sustained smoke damage throughout the upstairs level.

“The smoke damage was so bad they cannot even stay there,” he said.

The fire originated in the kitchen counter area where there was a laptop computer, a candle and a purse.

“We called it undetermined because that whole area was burnt pretty good,” Broshears said.

A female occupant of the home was visiting with her neighbors across the street and discovered the fire upon returning.

“It smoldered for awhile and I think when the lady came back and opened up the door, it kicked the fire up,” Broshears said.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The owners of the home are Theodore and Melissa Kroenig.