September 12, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100061) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us FIRE BURNS TWO Firefighters from Mobile Fire-Rescue were called to a fire, located at 2724 Elsmore Street, with possibly someone inside on Tuesday, September 12, 2000. The call was received at approximately 11:44 a.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 11:48 a.m. finding one victim sitting on the front porch of the one-story, wood frame structure. Firefighters found another victim at the rear of the house near the utility room. According to witnesses and one victim, Harvey James Allen, 54, was apparently preparing to cut grass. He had what is believed to be a glass jar and was either pouring gasoline from the jar to another container or vice versa. Apparently he either dropped the glass jar or spilled some of its contents on the floor of the utility room. The gasoline was ignited, possibly by a nearby water heater, thus catching him on fire. Allen's mother, Leona Allen, 76, ran to his aid attempting to extinguish the fire on Harvey subsequently getting burned by the fire as well. Harvey was treated on the scene and transported by rescue 18 to USAMC in critical condition with 75-80% 1st and 2nd degree burns on his body. Leona received approximately 25% 1st and 2nd degree burns and was also transported to USAMC for treatment by rescue 14. Mobile Fire Investigators took samples from the scene to be analyzed. The fire does appear to have originated in the rear utility room with some minor extension to the just inside of the adjacent kitchen. No damage estimate is available at this time and the fire remains under investigation. No other injuries were reported. Engines 12, 15, 18, 1 truck 10, rescue 14, 18 and District 3 Chief John Hicks responded. ###