August 22, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-62) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org ONE INJURED IN HOUSE FIRE One man was taken to a local hospital after a fire occurred in the house he was staying in located in the 900 block of Tanglewood Drive, East. The fire occurred Wednesday morning, August 22 at approximately 12:35 a.m. The caller advised she could hear the occupant inside the structure. Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes reporting light smoke coming from the single story, wood frame structure. The front door was locked but the female tenant provided a key to open the door for firefighters. Once inside they discovered the 56-year-old male occupant unresponsive on the floor in the living room and quickly brought him outside where firemedics began treating him for 2nd degree burns to his right leg and foot and severe smoke inhalation. He was transported to USAMC where he is listed in critical condition. Firefighters discovered the fire in the bedroom on the mattress and extinguished it without incident. The fire was contained to the mattress. There was smoke damage to most of the house. The female occupant told investigators she was painting at the church and when she returned home she saw smoke coming from the residence and called 9-1-1. She stated that the victim had been staying with her for about 2 weeks. Fire investigators found an ashtray on the bed and a pack of cigarettes beside the bed. Firemedics confirmed with the victim that he did smoke. Investigators determined that the fire was caused by a lit cigarette either carelessly discarded or the victim fell asleep and dropped it on the bedding. Damage is estimated at approximately $5 thousand. No other injuries were reported. Engines 9, 16, 23; truck 24; rescue 23, 24 and District Chief Frank Byrd responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. ###