September 7, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-59) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org UTILITY ROOM FIRE CAUSES NO INJURIES Mobile Firefighters responded to a fire that appears to have originated in a utility room at 2956 Fennel Street on Thursday evening at approximately 9:11 p.m. When firefighters arrived at approximately 9:14 p.m. they reported fire coming from the utility room located on the NorthWest corner of the one story wood frame structure. The occupant, Michael Payne, 30, was not home at the time of the fire but arrived sometime after firefighters were on the scene. The fire appears to have originated in the corner of the utility room with heat and smoke extension to the kitchen. There was also some heat damage to the rear quarter panel of a motor vehicle (Accura) parked near the dwelling. The cause is under investigation but appears to be accidental. The utility room housed an electric water heater and washer and dryer as well as containers of gasoline, a weed eater, bicycles etc. Damage is estimated at $10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 12, 15, 18 truck 10, rescue 18 and District 3 Chief John Young responded. ###