June 6, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-35) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org ELECTRICAL FIRE AT PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL Mobile Firefighters were called to respond to an electrical fire on the 4th floor of Providence Hospital located at 6801 Airport Blvd. The called was received at approximately 6:57 p.m. and first units arrived shortly after at approximately 6:59 p.m. Not knowing the full extent of the fire a second alarm response was called for in case additional manpower might be needed. The Hospital personnel had already put their emergency plan into affect as firefighters were arriving. A few patients from the emergency room were evacuated but it was not necessary for other patients in the hospital to be moved. At least 4 were transported to other area hospitals from the emergency room. The fire occurred in an electrical panel in a mechanical room on the unoccupied 4th floor. When firefighters arrived where the fire was it was discovered that the sprinkler system had activated containing the fire in the place of origin. The fire was under control within 15 minutes of firefighters arrival. There was smoke throughout the floor and water damage. The fire appears to have been caused when a Maintenance employee, Mark Durden, was replacing a fuse in a hot buss bar. It is unknown exactly what cause the electrical panel to blow but witnesses reported that there was a loud explosion and Durden was blown across the room. Durden was rushed down to the emergency room and later transported to the University of South Alabama Medical Center's Burn Center suffering from 2nd and possible 3rd degree burns to the arms, chest, neck and face. No other injuries were reported. Damage estimate is unknown at this time. the last firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 11:15 p.m. ###