December 12, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-78) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND CANDLES CAUSE TWO FIRES Mobile firefighters responded to two fire during the night. The first occurred at 4332 Carlyle Way Apartment 335 on Tuesday evening December 11, 2001. A neighbor reported the fire was at approximately 8:56 p.m. after reportedly smelling something burning. Firefighters arrived at approximately 9:02 p.m. and reported heavy smoke coming from apartment 335. Firefighters made entry and discovered and contained a fire in the Northwest corner bedroom involving a computer desk. Mobile Fire Investigators discovered remains of what appeared to be a candle on the desk as well as the nightstand by the bed. Investigators spoke to the occupant, Kevin Burks, 20, who admitted he had lit the two candles and left them unattended. Damage is estimated at $15 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 19, 22, 23, truck 5, rescue 23 and District 4 Chief Mark Hansberry responded. At approximately 1:41 a.m. Wednesday morning, December 12, 2001 Mobile Firefighters were called to a fire located at 305 Magnolia Drive. Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 1:46 a.m. and reported fire in the living room of the single story, wood frame structure. The occupant, Bernice C. Ross, 74, discovered the fire and escaped unharmed. Firefighters were able to keep the fire confined to the living room with some smoke damage outside the room. The fire appears to have been caused due to too many electrical Christmas lights plugged into one outlet thus resulting in a fire. The Christmas tree was artificial. The fire caused an estimated damage of $8 thousand. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 17, rescue 14 and District 1 Chief Bill Glisson responded. ###