July 24, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-29) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE AT 1519 BUTLER STREET On Tuesday evening, July 24, 2002 Mobile Fire-Rescue Units responded to a house fire located at 1519 Butler Street. The fire was reported at approximately 10:51 p.m. and firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 10:56 p.m. First arriving firefighters reported fire was visible from two sides of the single story wood frame structure. Pearlie Agee, one of the occupants told Mobile Fire Investigators she discovered the fire after smelling smoke. She and the others in the house went to investigate its origin and discovered fire in a front bedroom of the house. Pearlie, along with Davis Agee, Zemeriah Agee, David Agee, Jr. all escaped without apparent injury. The fire appears to have originated in a bedroom in the northwest corner of the residence. There were varying degrees of extension throughout the structure. The cause of the fire appears to have been an overloaded electrical power strip, which also had clothes, piled on top of it. The cause still remains under investigation but appears to be accidental. The fire caused an estimated $30 thousand in damage to the structure and its contents. No injuries were reported. Engines 12, 14, 15, truck 10 and district 4 chief Alex Trenier responded. ###