August 8, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-50) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org ACCIDENTAL FIRE AT 1213 DAUPHIN ISLAND PARKWAY RESIDENCE Mobile Firefighters responded to a fire in the bedroom of a house located at 1213 Dauphin Island Parkway on Tuesday evening, August 7, 2001. The call was received at approximately 6:35 p.m. and first units arrived at approximately 6:38 p.m. When firefighters arrived they reported finding fire in the Southeast bedroom of the single story, wood frame with masonry structure. The occupant, Geraldine Bonner, 40, told Mobile Fire Investigators that she heard the smoke alarm sound off and then silence itself. Bonner then heard the alarm sound for a second time and went to investigate. When she entered the kitchen she saw smoke coming from the bedroom and called 911 and left the residence. The residents then grabbed a garden hose and stuck it in the bedroom window to attempt to extinguish the fire. The fire appears to have originated in the bedroom near the area of the foot of the bed mattress. The fire spread throughout the bedroom and into the hallway but firefighters were able to stop the fires further spread. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but appears to be accidental. Damage is estimated at $ 10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 9, 16, 23, truck 24, rescue 24 and District 4 Chief Mark Hansberry responded. ###