September 15, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-70) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org BEDROOM FIRE AT ONE BLACKLAWN Firefighter responded to the report of a house fire with someone possibly inside Thursday, September 15 at 11:18 a.m. The single story house is located at 1 Blacklawn. Firefighters arrived on the scene with a report of smoke coming from the structure and once inside discovered a fire in a bedroom. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames and keep the fire from further spread. The 82-year-old male occupant told Mobile fire investigators that he was smoking and thought he had extinguished his cigarette and fell asleep in the bed. He woke up later to discover a fire in the room with him. He attempted to extinguish the fire by throwing water on it but was unable to put it out. He then made his escape out of the house and went to a neighbor’s house. The fire is being ruled an accident, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials The cigarette apparently fell into a pile of trash next to the occupants bed and caught fire. The fire was confined to the bedroom with smoke damage throughout and some heat damage to some adjacent rooms. Damage is estimated at $40 thousand. No injuries were reported. The home had no smoke detectors inside of it and it was fortunate the occupant awoke, especially being in the same room as the fire. Fire officials stress the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and having an escape plan in the event of a fire. Also, never attempt to put the fire out, make your escape and then call 9-1-1 for the fire department. Engines 3, 8, 12; truck 17; rescue 3; District Chief John Young responded to the fire. The fire is being investigated by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. ###