April 14, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-25) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE IN VACANT HOUSE ON BAY AVENUE Firefighters were called to respond to a fire in a vacant house located at 1101 Bay Avenue Saturday afternoon, April 14. The fire was reported at approximately 1:57 p.m. and when firefighters arrived on the scene minutes later they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the single-story structure. Neighbors told fire investigators that the house had been vacant at least five years after the owner had passed away. They further told investigators that some kids had been spotted in the area prior to the fire. Investigators were able to locate a 12-year-old male in the neighborhood who admitted to playing with fireworks around the vacant structure and catching the overgrown grass on fire. The juvenile has not been charged at this time and was turned over to legal guardians. The fire started in overgrown vegetation around the structure catching the structure on fire causing an estimated $10 thousand in damage. The fire is being ruled an accident. Engines 2, 9, 11; truck 17; rescue 26 and District Chief Frank Byrd responded to the fire. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. ###