May 15, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-35) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org KITCHEN FIRE ON SAN JUAN DRIVE Firefighters responded to the report of smoke coming from a chimney in a house located at 3857 San Juan Drive Tuesday morning, May 15. The call was received at approximately 7:54 a.m. from a passerby who saw the smoke coming from the single-story structure. Firefighters arrived shortly after reporting smoke coming from the structure; once they forced entry they discovered a fire on top of the stove. The occupant was not home at the time of the fire. Investigators discovered a pan of grease that had been left on the stove by the occupant. The fire was contained to the kitchen with smoke and heat throughout the structure. Damage is estimated at $30 thousand for the structure and another $15 thousand for the homes contents. No injuries were reported. Engines 6, 18, 22; truck 5; rescue 18 and District Chief Elbert Cross responded to the fire. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated civilian injuries and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. - Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop. - Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. - If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. - Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. ###