June 21, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-40) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE ARSON FIRE Mobile Fire Investigators are currently investigating a fire that occurred in a residence located at 409 Chatham Street that appears to have been deliberately set early Thursday morning, June 21. The call was received at approximately 1:09 a.m. and firefighters arrived shortly after reporting heavy flames from the L shaped front porch of the one-story wood frame structure. The house is occupied by 2 adult females and seven minor children ranging from ages 3-14. One of the occupants, Betty Minter, told investigators she heard what sounded like footsteps on the front porch and got up to check and saw flames visible through the window. She then proceeded outside to try and extinguish the fire with a garden hose. O’Della Wilson, an employee with the Press-Register, told investigators she was delivering papers and came upon the fire. She advised the grandmother was attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Wilson, being familiar with the large family, immediately called 911, stopped and helped get the children out of the house and placed them in her car which she moved up the street away from the house. No injuries were reported. The fire appears to have originated on the front porch area. The fire was confined to that area with mainly smoke damage to the interior of the structure. Damage is estimated at $20 thousand. While the fire remains under investigation it appears that it was deliberately set. Because the house was occupied at the time of the fire charges would be Arson 1st degree. Investigators have no suspects at this time and are asking anyone with information to call the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 208-7484 or 208-7311. Arson 1st is a Class A Felony and punishment could be for life or not more than 99 years or less than 10 years with a fine of not more than $20 thousand. Engines 2, 8, 11, truck 4, rescue 3 and District 1 Chief John Young responded. ###