February 2, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-06) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org 5 ALARMS CALLED ON VACANT DOWNTOWN HISTORIC BUILDING FIRE Mobile Firefighters were called to fight a fire in the old 5-story historic Masonic Lodge Building located at 8 Saint Joseph Street, early Saturday morning February 2, 2002. The first call was received at approximately 1:33 a.m. with first units arriving at 1:37 a.m. Captain LeAnn Tacon, stationed at Matt Sloan Fire Station, located on the waterfront just west of the Convention Center, upon seeing the fire and smoke immediately called for a 2nd Alarm assignment before leaving the station. Engine 3 responding from Central Fire Station, located at Springhill Avenue and Saint Franics Street called for a 3rd Alarm assignment while responding down Dauphin Street. Upon arrival on the scene Firefighters reported that the fire had already broken through the roof of the large vacant 5-story building and fire could be seen through all the windows. Smoke, flames and flying embers could be seen for miles away. Chief Officers on the scene called for a 4th and 5th Alarm soon after arriving on the scene of the fire. Units also had to be sent to nearby building to protect them from catching fire from the dropping embers. One nearby building did have some fire on the roof but quick action by firefighters prevented it from spreading further. In all, approximately 12 Engines, 5 Ladders, 2 Rescues, 6 Chief Officers and 9 Support Staff responded to the fire. Approximately 86 firefighters were on the scene fighting the fire. Because of the potential of collapse of the building Fire Officials elected to close off and keep closed St. Joseph Street from St. Francis to Dauphin Streets until further notice. Rotating fire crews were kept on the scene until Sunday afternoon to keep watch on the building and prevent possible rekindle. At this time Fire Investigators are unable to get into the scene to do a thorough investigation because the building is unstable. It is unknown when the building will be secured so Investigators can make entry. Investigators do however believe that the human factor played a part in the start of the fire due in part because the building was vacant and had no utilities. No injuries were reported. ###