June 25, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-41) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO FIRE IN LARGE HOUSE Neighbors living across from 1050 Manchester Place at Hitt Road reported seeing smoke coming from the large structure on Monday, June 25, 2001 and reported it to Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. The call was received at approximately 11:22 a.m. and first firefighting units arrived at approximately 11:29 a.m. and reported heavy smoke coming from the attic of the large one-story wood frame and brick structure. The owner, Sharion Shumock, was not home at the time the fire was reported and firefighters had to force entry into the front of the structure. Firefighters found fire in the hallway and throughout the attic above. A first look at the fire it appeared it may have started in the attic and burned through the attic access door and dropped below in the hallway. But as Mobile Fire Investigators began their initial investigation they discovered the fire may have actually started in the hallway outside the bathroom and burned it's way into the attic above. Investigators on the scene found a can of acetone in the area of the fires origin. Shumock told investigators he had been cleaning the carpet with the acetone and had left the can on the floor in that area. Further investigation revealed the remains of a hairdryer in the area of the fires origin still plugged into the electrical outlet in the bathroom. Mobile Fire Investigators theorize that the hairdryer may have fallen on the floor knocking the can of acetone over. The hairdryer either shorted out causing a spark or some how turned on upon falling causing enough heat to ignite the acetone fumes. The cause still remains under investigation. There was some heat and smoke damage throughout the structure with the main fire damage to the hallway and attic. Damage is estimated at approximately $60 thousand. No injuries were reported. The Incident Commander on the scene called a second alarm due to the heat and size of the structure. Engines 1, 6, 22, truck 5, rescue 1 and District 3 Chief Mike Farver responded on the first alarm assignment. Engines 18, 23, truck 10 and District 4 Chief Harold Miller responded on the second alarm assignment. ###