February 7, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-11) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org ELECTRIC CORD TO SPACE HEATER BLAME FOR HOUSE FIRE A fire caused an estimated $15 thousand in damage to a house located at 506 English Street on Friday, February 7, 2003. The occupant, Robert Slater, reported the fire at approximately 9:52 a.m. and firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 9:56 a.m. The fire appears to have originated in the middle bedroom area at the north wall receptacle of the one-story, wood frame residence and spread to kitchen and living room. The fire also caused damage to the siding of 508 English Street. Slater told Mobile Fire Investigators that he had turned on the electric stove eye to help heat the house. He had also plugged in an electric space heater with the electrical cord that was spliced. Slater further stated that he heard an arching noise in the area of the electric space heater and attempted to toss it away from the area. Slater escaped without apparent injury. The fire is being ruled an accident possibly caused by bad wiring in an electric space heater. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 4, rescue 14 and District Chief Bill Glisson responded to the call. ###