December 3, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-74) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE TWO FROM HOUSE FIRE Mobile Firefighters responded to a 2nd alarm house fire located at 50 South Cedar Street late Monday night, December 3, 2001. The call was received at approximately 9:43 p.m. from a passer-by. When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported heavy smoke coming from the large 2-story, wood frame structure. Firefighters also discovered one occupant, Lisa Gillihan, 40, hanging from a second story window on the Conti Street side of the structure. Firefighter William Edwards assigned to Ladder Truck 4 climbed a ladder other firefighters placed against the building and assisted Gillihan to the ground. She was reportedly unharmed. Firefighter Edwards again climbed back up the ladder and assisted Rocky Keith, 45, out the window and down to safety. Keith received cuts to his hands from breaking the window out and was treated and released on the scene by Firemedics. Bruce Bennett from Nashville, Tennessee owns the structure. Bennett told Mobile Fire Investigators that the structure was vacant and was ordered torn down by the City. He told Investigators that he had donated the structure to the City and it was slated to be moved off the property. Keith told Fire Investigators that he and Gillihan were homeless and had been staying in the upstairs northeast corner room. He reported that there were also four black males staying in the downstairs portion of the structure. Keith advised he was awaken by smoke and they attempted to go down the stairs but were unable to due to the heavy smoke. He then broke out the window and attempted to lower Gillihan down to the ground. The fire appears to have originated in a room in the rear downstairs portion of the structure. The fire spread into the wall up to the attic. The cause of the fire is currently still being investigated. No damage estimate is available yet. No other injuries were reported. Engines 2, 3, 8, truck 4, rescue 3 and District 1 Chief Mike Farver responded on the 1st Alarm assignment. Engines 9, 11, truck 17, rescue 14 and District 4 Chief Don Myers responded on the 2nd Alarm assignment. Engines 14 and 12 were called as relief. ###