February 24, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-15) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org BUILDING FIRE AT BELLS AND BOWS Mobile firefighters responded to the report of a structure fire located at 1400 Springhill Avenue this morning, Friday, February 24. The fire was reported at approximately 7:02 a.m. The first caller reported the fire as being located at the corner of Catherine Street and Springhill Avenue. A second caller identified the correct location at Springhill and Garnett Avenues at Bells and Bows Wedding Planners. When firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the dispatch they reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the two-story, wood frame structure. Firefighters had to force entry into the structure due to burglar bars on the doors and windows. Once inside they were able to quickly contain the fire in the front of the structure which is best described as the reception area. The fire was contained to a small area of the front entry area but the first floor had heavy smoke and varying degrees of heat damage throughout. The second floor had some light to moderate smoke damage. The fire appears to have originated near a desk; fire investigators found an overloaded electrical cord in that area and have ruled it accidental caused by an overloaded electrical system. The building was secured and had been closed since 6:00 p.m. the previous day. No one was in the building at the time of the fire and wasn’t due to open until 11:00 a.m. No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at approximately $60 thousand. Engines 3, 8, 12; truck 17; rescue 3 and District Chief John Young responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. ###