September 7, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2004-23) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE DAMAGE AT UNIVERSITY OAKS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE Mobile Firefighter were dispatched to a routine audible fire alarm sounding at the University Oaks Retirement Residence located at 650 South University Boulevard, early Wednesday morning, September 8, 2004. While the first unit was in route to check the alarm, Mobile Fire-Rescue Dispatchers received a second call from the Alarm Company advising they had received a call verifying there was an actual fire. The call was received at approximately 12:17 a.m. and when firefighters arrived they reported fire showing from the upper balcony of the 3-story, wood frame with vinyl siding structure. Firefighters placed ground ladders up to the fire floors to begin extinguishing operations and other firefighters made entry into the building to assist with the evacuation of the approximately 105 residents. Firefighters discovered the sprinkler system had activated in at least two apartments directly affected by the fire which helped keep the spread of the fire to a minimum and gave residents precious minutes to make their escape. All residents escaped without incident or reported injuries. Most residents were able to return to their apartments but several were being relocated somewhere because of fire and/or water damage. The fire appears to have started on the balcony of apartment 236 and extended to the balcony area of the apartment above (336). There was further thermal extension into the attic space above apartment 336. Damage is estimated in excess of $1 million dollars. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire Investigators were originally looking at a lamp in Apartment 236 that may have caught the curtains on fire but upon further investigation it was revealed that the lamp was in the off position. Investigators are looking toward the balcony area as the point of origin. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department kept units on the scene during the night and will continue throughout the day until the alarm system and sprinkler system is repaired. Engines 6, 18, 19, 22, 23, truck 5, rescue 18, and District 2 Chief Johnny Morris responded. ###