Racine Avenue Residential Fire

MOBILE, Ala. – At approximately 7:28 a.m., Mobile Fire-Rescue Department crews were dispatched to the 5600 block of Racine Avenue for reports of a vehicle on fire in the car port, with flames quickly extending to the residence. Prior to arrival on scene, firefighters received reports that an occupant was trapped inside of the burning home.

Upon arrival on scene, crews described heavy flames extending through the roof of a single-story residence. While suppression teams rushed to attack flames, a rescue team simultaneously sprinted toward the residence, made entry, and rescued an unknown-aged, adult woman from the rear of the burning building. The victim was unconscious and not breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was immediately initiated in the back yard, with flames at their backs.

Firemedics quickly arrived and assumed care of the patient, continuing CPR and transporting to an area hospital. Prior to arriving at the hospital, medics were able to obtain a pulse (return of spontaneous circulation) and a sustainable blood pressure. Care of the victim was transferred to emergency department personnel, where the patient remains critical but stable.

Suppression teams battle heavy flames for several minutes before the fire was reported “under control” by the incident commander at approximately 7:53 a.m. During fire scene operations, an MFRD firefighter sustained burn injuries to an extremity, for which he was treated and transported to an area hospital for care. There are no available updates on his status.

A detailed search of the interior of the structure revealed that at least 1 pet dog was in the home at the time of fire. The dog was also retrieved from the house, but unfortunately, succumbed to smoke inhalation at the scene.

Fire Investigators initiated a preliminary investigation to determine the cause and extent of the fire. The initial review of the scene indicates that the fire began accidentally; however, the exact determination will require continued investigation.

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