January 15, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-03) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE INJURES ONE Mobile firefighters responded to a house fire located at 958 Texas Street, Wednesday morning, January 15, 2003. A neighbor called 911 at approximately 10:38 a.m. and reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the one-story, wood frame residence. Firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 10:41 a.m. and reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the side at the rear of the residence. Firefighters made entry into the house and discovered fire in the middle bedroom of the structure. After quickly extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered an unconscious female victim in the rear bedroom of the house near a door that lead to the outside. She was quickly brought out and placed in Rescue 3 of Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and transported to the University of South Alabama Medical Center (USAMC) suffering from heavy smoke inhalation, possible heat inhalation and 2nd degree burns to her right hand and arm. She was last listed in critical condition at USAMC. The victim, later identified as Valerie Brown, 12, was found near the back door where a couch was blocking the exit. Fire Investigators believe she may have been trying to escape but was unable to due to the couch being in front of the door. Brown was home alone at the time of the fire. The fire appears to have originated in the middle bedroom around or near two electric space heaters. The fire spread to the attic area above. The fire also caused varying degrees of heat and smoke damage throughout the structure. Mobile Fire Investigators are ruling the fire as accidental possibly caused by electrical overload. Investigators found numerous extension cords and 3-way plugs with varying size appliances plugged into them. One family member told investigators that only one electric space heater was used because if both were in use it would kick the breaker off. Investigators did find a breaker that had been tripped. The house is owned by Carolyn Francis and occupied by Ava Brown along with her 3 children ages, 12, 15 and 16. No damage estimate is available at this time. No other injuries were reported. Engines 2, 3, 8, 11, truck 4, rescue 3 and 7, and District 1 Chief Mike Farver responded to the call. ###