April 10, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-28) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org EDWARDS STREET STRUCTURE FIRE A structure fire at 806 Edwards Street was reported at approximately 9:10 a.m. Thursday, April 10. Firefighters reported heavy smoke upon arrival at approximately 9:15 a.m. and were told the occupant, Mary Pickens, 44, may still be inside. Firefighters conducted two separate searches of the structure but found no one inside. It was discovered later she was safe at a nearby relative’s house. Pickens told fire investigators that she was frying something on her electric stove top and went into another room to watch television and became involved in what was on. She then smelled smoke and went to investigate discovering her kitchen on fire. Pickens then ran out of the house and went down the street to a relative’s house who called 9-1-1. The fire appears to have started in the kitchen of the one-story, wood frame residence and spread to the hallway, utility room and back porch. The cause of the fire that produced $50 thousand worth of property damage is being ruled accidental by unattended cooking. No injuries were reported. Pickens, who occupies the house along with her son and two daughters ages 15, 14 and 9, is being assisted by the Chaplain of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and American Red Cross. The children were in school at the time of the fire. Engines 8, 14, 21, truck 4, rescue 14, District Chief Alex Trenier responded to the call. ###