February 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-11) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org BUSY NIGHT/MORNING FOR FIREFIGHTERS Overnight fires kept Mobile Firefighters very busy responding to five different fires. The first fire occurred Wednesday evening (February 20) at approximately 9:31 p.m. firefighters were called to 6131 Joe Gollotte Road for a vacant single story, wood frame house on fire. Firefighters reported heavy flames showing through the front porch area. The fire appears to have originated in a front room/porch area and appears to have been set intentionally. Damage is estimated at approximately $20 thousand. At approximately 5:02 a.m. Thursday morning, February 21, firefighters responded to a kitchen fire that spread to the attic at 518 Steve Street, West. Firefighters arrived reporting heavy smoke showing from the one-story, wood frame structure. The fire was caused when a 15-year-old occupant was cooking and left the pan unattended. The fire caused an estimated $40 thousand in damage. At approximately 5:20 a.m. a fire was reported at 1663 Hunter Avenue. Firefighters arrived reporting smoke showing from the two-story, wood frame structure. At first firefighters found no fire just heavy smoke but once windows were opened and a positive pressure fan was started the fire showed itself in a second floor bedroom. Unattended smoking materials appear to be the cause of the fire that did an estimated $10 thousand in damage. At approximately 5:59 a.m. firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle fire at 600 South Bayou Street. The cause of that fire is not known but appears the vehicle may have been stolen. The final fire of the morning occurred at approximately 6:17 a.m. at 2417 Riverside Drive. Firefighters arrived on the scene with a small fire in a wall. The fire originated from an outlet where a microwave was plugged in. Firefighters turned the breakers off to the plug and advised the owners to contact an electrician. The fire caused less than $250. No injuries were reported in any of the fires. Mobile Fire-Rescue has also been busy responding to numerous vehicle crashes due to in part by the wet roads. ###