May 19, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-38) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org ONE PERSON ESCAPES HOUSE FIRE, SECOND DOES NOT A house fire located in the 6000 block of Lighthouse Court has claimed the life of a female resident, while a male occupant escaped without apparent injury. The fire occurred late Friday night, May 18 and was reported at approximately 9:06 p.m. While in route to the call firefighters were advised that a female was possibly trapped inside the residence. Firefighters arrived on scene reporting light smoke coming from the chimney but no visible flames. The front door was found locked and firefighters were directed by the male to a set of French doors where the female was believed to be located. Firefighters found the doors partially opened approximately 6 inches. Firefighters made multiple attempts to force the door open without success and located a second door and were able to get inside. Once inside they encountered heavy smoke throughout the residence and fire in the kitchen; while that crew extinguished the fire another searched for and located the female victim. The female occupant was located approximately 3 feet from the front door, which had a double dead bolt lock, which required a key to unlock, firefighters brought her out where firemedics took charge of her care and transported her to Infirmary West Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Firefighters encountered a heavy amount of boxes, clothing and other items while attempting to search and extinguish the fire. It was later discovered the doors were blocked by a large amount of those items which was the scene in the entire house. Firefighters also found the occupants dog that had died in the fire. Investigators determined the fire originated in the kitchen and was caused by a pot left on the stove that was in operation. No damage estimate is available. No other injuries were reported. Engines 6, 19, 22; truck 5; rescues 6, 7 and District Chief Elbert Cross responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. ###