July 18, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-28) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING SUSPICIOUS FIRE Mobile Firefighters were called to respond to a house fire located at 1707 Dog River Drive, West on Thursday morning, July 18, 2002. The call was received from neighbors at approximately 12:34 a.m. First fire-rescue units arrived at approximately 12:42 a.m. and reported heavy fire coming from the single story, wood frame/vinyl siding structure. No one was home at the time of the fire. According to neighbors the occupant, believed to be Queen Esther Johnson, has been staying with a relative for at least a month. Neighbors told Mobile Fire Investigators that they heard a boom, looked out the window and saw fire coming from the structure. The fire appears to have originated throughout the center of the structure, front to rear. The fire extended throughout the structure. Based on evidence and witness statements the fire appears to have been intentionally set. The fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $40 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 9, 16, 19, truck 24, rescue 24, District 4 Chief Harold Miller responded. ###