March 5, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-15) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HEAVY FIRE DAMAGE TO WEST MOBILE HOME Fire Investigators with Mobile Fire-Rescue Department are currently investigating a fire that caused in excess of $500 thousand damage to a house located at 7001 Charleston Oaks Drive South off Sollie Road. The fire was reported at approximately 12:04 a.m. Tuesday Morning, March 5, 2002. Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 12:11 a.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the large two-story, wood frame with brick veneer house. Because of the size of the house, amount of fire, and the fact it had already broken through the roof, fire officials called for a 2nd alarm assignment to help battle the blaze. The owner, Richard M. Howard and his wife were out of town at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is still being investigated but it appears to have originated in the garage at the rear of the structure. The fire spread throughout the structure. Two males, ages 18-19, have been taken into custody for questioning but no charges have been filed as of yet. Fire Investigators found the pair's vehicle in the burning rubble in the rear garage. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately 6:20 a.m. Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported. Engines 1, 6, 22, truck 5, rescue 6 and District 4 Chief Harold Miller were assigned on the 1st alarm. Engines 19, 23, 12, Truck 24 and District 3 Chief Alex Trenier were assigned to the 2nd alarm response. ###