January 15, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-06)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
CHRISTMAS TREES CAUSE OF FIRE AT STONERIDGE CONDOS
Firefighters responded to a fire in Unit 601 of the Stoneridge Condos, located at 2901 Grant Street, Saturday morning, January 15. The fire was reported at approximately 10:12 a.m. Firefighters reported heavy fire coming through the roof of the two-story, wood frame structure. The family of three had already escaped unharmed.
Firemedics transported a 6-month-old infant girl to USA Children's and Women's Hospital as a precautionary measure due to the child having recently been discharged from the hospital. The child received no injuries from the fire.
The fire originated on the back patio and traveled up the exterior wall into a second floor bedroom and attic, through the roof. The first floor received water damage. Damage is estimated at $80 thousand.
The fire was caused by two dried out Christmas trees (see attached photo) that were leaning against an exterior porch light that was in the on position. The lights heat combined with the dryness of the trees ignited them thus causing the fire.
Dry trees should not only be removed from inside structures but placed away from them because of the fire hazards they pose.
Engines 8, 9, 23; truck 17; rescues 3, 14 and District Chief John Young responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating the fire.
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