January 31, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-07)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
APARTMENT FIRE 968 TEXAS STREET
Mobile Firefighters responded to an apartment fire located at 968 Texas Street on Tuesday morning, January 31, 2006. The fire was reported at approximately 6:22 a.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 6:25 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from an upstairs apartment. All occupants had already exited the two-story, wood frame with asbestos siding when firefighters arrived. A 2nd alarm assignment was called for because of the large size of the building and the potential for quick spread. Firefighters were initially hindered from getting into the apartment on fire because interior room doors were blocked with furniture and nailed shut. Firefighters had entered through the front of the building but learned later that occupants use the back entrance only and therefore blocked or nailed closed interior doors on the front side of the building.
The fire originated in the upstairs southwest corner bedroom of apartment D. The cause of the fire was a portable electric space heater placed to close to clothing and the bed. The occupant, Luther Etheridge, told Mobile Fire Investigators that he woke up to the smell smoke and saw some clothing on fire that quickly spread to the mattress. He called out to his sister in the next apartment to call 911 and escaped the building.
The fire caused varying degrees of heat and smoke damage throughout the eight units of the building causing an estimated $150 thousand in damage. No injuries were reported.
Engines 3, 8, 9, 12, 11, truck 4, truck 17, rescue 3 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded to the call.
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