July 7, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-44)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
OLD DOWNTOWN YMCA BURNS
Mobile Firefighters were dispatched to the old YMCA building located at Government and Conception Streets on Saturday, July 7, 2001. The call was received at approximately 2:43 p.m. and when firefighters arrived they reported smoke and fire coming from the first floor. Firefighters forced entry into the large 3 story, masonry building and discovered the fire was in the wall and travelling to the upper levels of the building. Because of the poor conditions of the building firefighters were ordered out of the building. Approximately 25-30 minutes after arrival a second alarm assignment was called for, followed shortly after by a third alarm assignment. In all, approximately 12 Mobile Fire-Rescue Units were called to the scene and over 44 firefighters battled the blaze. Firefighters had to be careful around the building as parts of the top of the building collapsed onto the street below on Government and Conception Streets. Another side of the building also collapsed onto a law office next to the old building. One firefighter, Darrell Farmer was transported to Springhill Memorial Hospital by Firemedics complaining of lower back pain. He was treated and released later. No other injuries were reported. The building had been sitting vacant since 1979 and floors inside have rotted over the years due to rain getting inside. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and it is not known when Mobile Fire Investigators will be able to get inside. Firefighters stayed on the scene until late Sunday afternoon making sure there wasn't a rekindle. The Bankhead Tunnel, Conception Street, as well as, Government Street in and around the building will remain closed due to the threat of collapse of the walls. Engineers and other officials are due to be on the scene Monday to discuss how to secure the building. Units assigned the call were: 1st Alarm: Engines 2, 3, 11, truck 4, rescue 22 and District 1 Chief Harold Miller; 2nd Alarm: Engines 8, 9, truck 17, rescue 3 and District 4 Chief Bill Hunter; 3rd Alarm: Engines 14, 21, and truck 24.
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