April 17, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-26) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MOBILE FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO TWO HOUSE FIRES Mobile firefighters responded to two house fires on Tuesday, April 17 within an hour of each other. The first fire was reported at approximately 9:11 a.m. for a fire in a single-story residence located in the 1400 block of Katye Street. Firefighters arrived within six minutes and reported smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters discovered a fire inside the rear of the residence and were able to quickly extinguish it. A five-year-old occupant admitted to starting at least three small fires while playing with a lighter, catching a pile of clothes on fire. The child went to an adult relative who saw smoke and ran around the house; discovered the fire and called 9-1-1. Damage is estimated at approximately $10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 14, 15, 22; truck 10; rescue 18 and District Chief Buster Bishop responded. The second fire, located in the 1000 block of Barbara Drive, East, was reported at approximately 10:09 a.m. When firefighters arrived they reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the single-story structure. Firefighters discovered fire in the living room and were able to contain it to that room. The remainder of the house suffered smoke and heat damage. The lone occupant told fire investigators that the house was without power and had extensive termite damage and he was staying there using candles for light. He further told investigators that he was down the street when he spotted smoke coming from the house and ran to check on it. It was the he saw fire in the living room. The fire started between a sofa and chair and appears to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette. The structure suffered approximately $10 thousand in fire damage. One firefighter was injured when he pulled a muscle while lifting some furniture. He was transported to Springhill Medical by MFRD Medics and may require surgery. Engines 3, 9, 18; truck 17; rescue 14 and District Chief Frank Byrd responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigations. ###