November 15, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2004-31) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS LIVES OF ELDERLY COUPLE Mobile Firefighters responded to a house fire located at 7113 Sixth Street off Cody Road that claimed the lives of its elderly occupants and injured two firefighters. The call was received from an employee of Alabama Power Company at approximately 7:32 a.m. on Monday morning, November 15, 2004. Firefighters arrived at approximately 7:37 a.m. reporting heavy fire and smoke coming from the side of the 1 1/2 story wood frame with brick veneer structure. Firefighters were told upon arrival that someone may still be inside the structure and they began to search for them while other firefighters fought the fire. Firefighters found the 85-year-old male occupant crouching beside the front bedroom window and pulled them out but the fire had already claimed him. Firefighters found the 72 year old female occupant laying face down in between the dining room and living room. The fire had also already claimed her life. It appears both may have been trying to find their way out of the burning structure. Firefighter Derrick Johnson received 1st and 2nd degree burns to his left arm and was transported to Providence where he was treated and released. Another firefighter, name unknown at this time received a minor burn to his wrist, he was treated on the scene by firemedics. The fire appears to have originated in the rear Family room and spread throughout the structure. Fire Investigators are on the scene at this time trying to determine the cause of the fire. Mobile Fire Investigators have not found any indication the structure had a smoke detector anywhere inside. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time but preliminary investigation indicates the fire was accidental. Because of HIPA regulations Mobile Fire-Rescue Department does not release names of fire victims. Mobile Police Department will release names once identities are confirmed. ###