March 5, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-17) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED ON CHARLESTON OAKS FIRE Mobile Fire Investigators have concluded their preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire at 7001 Charleston Oaks Drive, South, which occurred early today, Tuesday, March 5, 2002. According to Fire Investigators findings it appears the fire was caused when a vehicle (Ford Explorer) crashed into a garage door and broke through a wall on the other side of the garage, causing damage to the under carriage of the SUV and possibly causing a fuel leak. An ignition, possibly a spark from metal making contact to concrete, ignited the spilled fuel thus causing a fire. The fire does not appear to have been deliberately set. However, other charges may be pending by Mobile Police Department. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $500 thousand. ###