November 7, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2013-36) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org SIX ESCAPE HOUSE FIRE One adult and five children escape a house fire early this morning, November 7, in the 1000 block of Bishop Wilmer Drive. The fire was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m. and when firefighters arrived they encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the structure. One adult female and a 10-year-old female, 11-year-old male, 12-year-old male, 14-year-old-male and a 16-year-old female all escaped without apparent injury. A 16-year-old female discovered the fire and alerted the rest of the family and all escaped unharmed. The fire appears to have originated in the kitchen around the stove area. According to the adult female occupant, she lit a cigarette from a burner on the stove stop. There was a pan of grease sitting on the stove top that had been used previously to cook something. The occupant told investigators she couldn’t remember if she turned the burner off or not. Investigators believe the burner was left on thus heating the grease and causing the fire to occur. The fire spread throughout the kitchen, dining room, bedroom and into the attic. There was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the structure causing an estimated $80 thousand. Engines 2, 9, 16; truck 24; rescue 24 and District Chief John Young responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating. The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross Gulf Coast Chapter. ###