January 27, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-07) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE DESTROYS HOUSE IN WEST MOBILE No injuries were reported at a fire that destroyed a house located at 9511 A. McLeod Road in West Mobile on Monday morning, January 27, 2003. Corrine Mosley, relative of the owners discovered the fire and reported it to 911 at approximately 8:12 a.m. First firefighters arrived at approximately 8:21 a.m. and reported the fire had already broken through the roof of the one-story cider block constructed house. Initial reports were that family pets may still be inside the burning structure but firefighters were told on arrival those pets had already been let out of the house. The owners, Rose L. and Larry Mosley, Sr. were not at home at the time of the fire. Rose Mosley told Mobile Fire Investigators that she left the house at approximately 7:30 a.m. and left a fire in the fireplace. She also advised she had several space heaters throughout the house but wasn't sure if she had turned them off. The fire appears to have originated around the kitchen/living room area and spread throughout the house. Investigators were able to rule out the fireplace as a possible cause because it was located away from the area of origin. Investigators did not find a space heater in the area of origin either and have ruled that out as a possible cause for now. The fire remains under investigation at this time. Damage is estimated at $75 thousand. Engines 6, 7 22, truck 5, water tanker 36, rescue 6 and District Chief Don Meyers responded to the fire. Seven Hills Volunteer Fire Department also responded. ###