January 31, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-04) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE INJURES ONE Mobile Fire-Rescue Units responded to a report of a building fire located at 9825 Jeff Hamilton Road at Cottage Hill Road on Monday, January 31, 2005. The fire was reported at approximately 7:28 a.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene they discovered heavy fire at the rear of the 2 story, wood frame with brick structure. Firefighters were told on the scene that someone had been burned and been picked up by a passerby and transported to Providence Hospital. Fire Investigators determined later that the passerby was Kyle Rogers, 18, a student at Baker High School who was sent home to change clothes. While in route he discovered the victim, believed to be Kenneth D. Johnson, 39, standing by the road in front of the house with burns. Rogers got him in his vehicle, called 911 to report the incident and transported the victim to Providence Hospital. Johnson reportedly had 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 50% of his body and was listed as critical and later moved to USA Medical Center Burn Unit. The fire occurred in a building adjacent to the main house and is used primarily for Taxidermy work by Southland Studios - Master Taxidermist but it appeared it might have also been used as a residence. Because this fire occurred just outside the Public Safety Jurisdiction the fire investigation has been turned over the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office and the Mobile County Sheriff's Department. Engines 1, 6, 19, 22, truck 5, rescue 18, water tanker 36 and District 2 Chief Randy Smith responded to the call. Seven Hills Volunteer Fire Department also responded with a water tanker truck. ###