December 16, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-37) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE CLAIMS FIFTH VICTIM FOR THE YEAR 2003 Mobile firefighters were called to a bedroom fire at 54 Hannon Avenue Tuesday morning, December 16, 2003 that claimed the life of it's occupant. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department received two calls at approximately 2:14 a.m. one from a passerby on a cell phone and the other from a neighbor. Firefighters arrived soon after at approximately 2:18 a.m. and reported smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters Steven P. McEvoy and Brian M. Johnson, assigned to engine 8, made entry into the structure and discovered a mattress on fire in the bedroom and the female occupant unconscious nearby. They immediately brought her out where Firemedics began treatment and transported her to the University of South Alabama Medical Center where she died from her injuries. According to witnesses, a passerby broke out a window to attempt a rescue but was unable to gain entry into the house. The fire was confined to the bedroom of origin. Mobile Fire Investigators found evidence near the bed that indicated the cause of the fire was a result of smoking in bed. Damage is estimated at $1,000. Engines 3, 8, 12, truck 17, rescue 3 and 23, and District 1 Chief Johnny Morris responded to the call. ###