June 19, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-52) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org CANDLE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSE FIRE An unattended burning candle appears to be responsible for a fire that occurred at 1203 Saint Madar Street early Thursday morning, June 19. The fire was reported at approximately 2:23 a.m. and responding firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 2:29 a.m. reporting heavy fire coming from the single-story, wood frame residence. The occupants, Samuel L. Powe and Vera L. Henry, were able to escape without apparent injury. The fire originated in a dayroom, used as a bedroom by Vera Henry, located at the front of the structure. Henry and Powe told investigators they had no utilities (power, water, gas) and were using the candles as light and Henry thought she had extinguished them all before retiring for the evening. The fire caused an estimated $21 thousand in property damage. The cause is being ruled accidental. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 4, rescue 3 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded. ###