April 14, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-24) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE ON COLUMBUS AVENUE Mobile firefighters responded to the report of a house fire located in the 2400 block of Columbus Avenue, Saturday, April 14. The call was received at approximately 12:04 p.m. Firefighters were blocked by a train at Navco Road and I-10 for approximately eight minutes before they could proceed to the fire scene Once on scene firefighters reported heavy fire at the rear of the single-story, wood frame residential structure. All 15 occupants had escaped already without incident. Toya Edwards, 37, told fire investigators that she and the 14 children, ranging in ages from 22 years to 10 months were in the front of the house. A closed door separated them from the back of the house. She saw smoke coming from underneath the door and all escaped out the front door. Once outside they discovered fire on the back porch. The fire appears to have started on the back porch with some extension in the attic at the rear of the residence. The cause is under investigation but appears to be accidental. Damage is estimated at approximately $20 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 9, 16, 19; truck 24; rescue 24 and District Chief Steve Zirlott responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the family. ###