June 20, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-50) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOMELESS CAUSE SMALL FIRE AT HOFFMAN’S FURNITURE A fire was reported behind Hoffman Furniture, located at 407 Dauphin Street, early Wednesday morning, June 20. Witnesses in a nearby condo saw the fire and a homeless person running from behind the large two-story building and called 9-1-1 at approximately 3:35 a.m. When firefighters arrived they discovered a small fire on the exterior wall and door frame at the rear of the building in an ally way. Because the fire was reported early, firefighters were able to extinguish it before it made it inside the building. The interior however did receive smoke damage. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by a cooking fire the homeless started that got out of hand. Responsible person(s) could be charged with Arson Third Degree. Damage is estimated at approximately $30 thousand, primarily from the smoke. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 11; truck 4; rescue 3 and District Chief Frank Byrd responded to the incident. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating the fire. ###