August 10, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-52) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY Mobile Firefighters responded to a house fire with a report of someone inside, located at 4600 Emerald Drive East on Friday evening, August 10, 2001. The call was received through 911 at approximately 6:33 p.m. and first fire units from Mobile Fire -Rescue Department arrived at approximately 6:41 p.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the South side of the one story wood frame structure. Firefighters entered the structure to locate the possible victim and found Dorethea Thornton, 46, submerged in the bathtub of the master bedroom bathroom. Firefighter quickly removed her through a window to other firefighters outside the structure and Mobile Firemedics began treatment. Thornton was transported to USA Knollwood Park Hospital in serious condition from smoke inhalation. The fire appears to have originated in the kitchen and spread to the utility room and living room. The remainder of the house received heavy smoke damage. Mobile Fire Investigators were told that Thornton works the night shift and it is believed she may have been asleep when the fire started. While a smoke detector was found in the structure it is unknown if it was working at the time of the fire. Investigators believe Thornton may have been alerted to the fire and couldn't escape through the normal means and returned to the bedroom where she sought safety in the bathtub. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at approximately $70 thousand. No other injuries were reported. Engines 6, 7, 19, truck 24, rescue 6, District 4 Chief Mark Hansberry along with Theodore-Tillmans Corner Volunteer Fire Department responded to the call. ###