September 6, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-58) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS TWO LIVES At approximately 1:03 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2001 Mobile Fire-Rescue Department dispatchers received a call from neighbors, through 911, reporting a house fire at 4038 West Hillcrest Lane. The caller also advised it was possible the elderly couple that lived there may still be inside. Mobile Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 1:08 a.m. and reported heavy fire visible from the rear of the one-story, wood frame with brick veneer structure. Neighbors were on the scene and advised the firefighters the occupants may still be inside the burning structure. Firefighters forced entry and began a search for the occupants and extinguishing the fire. Firefighters found Joyce Franclich Grady, 74, on the kitchen floor near the end of the bar and door. Grady was pulled out but found to already been claimed by the fire. Investigators believed she may have been trying to escape through the kitchen door but the door had a double dead bolt lock, which required a key to open, but no key was found. Upon further search firefighters found the remains of what is believed to be Arthur Grady, believed to be 69 years of age. The fire also claimed the life of a family (poodle) dog. According to family members who arrived on the scene later, both Grady's had health problems. Arthur Grady suffered from emphysema and was on Oxygen. It was unknown what problems Joyce Grady suffered from. Family members also told Fire Investigators that Arthur was a heavy smoker despite his health problems and would sometimes sleep in the living room. The fire appears to have started in the living room and spread to the dining room, hall, attic and through the roof. There was varying degrees of heat and smoke throughout the structure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and damage is estimated for at least $60 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 6, 19, 23, truck 5, rescue 23 and District 4 Chief Harold Miller responded. Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is assisting in the investigation. ###