February 19, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-12) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION BAMA MOTEL FIRE Mobile Fire Investigators have concluded their "On-Scene" investigation at the scene of a fatal fire at the Bama Motel located at 4012 Government Boulevard this morning, Monday, February 19, 2007. Investigators have found no conclusive evidence to indicate what may have started the fire that claimed the lives of 5 and 6-year-old brothers. However one cause that has not been ruled out is the possiblity that the 6-year-old may have been playing with fire thus causing the fire that claimed their lives. Two witnesses and the children's mother told fire investigators that he has been known to play with fire in the past. Fire investigators did not find any matches or lighters in the debris from the fire. Therefore the cause of the fire remains under investigation. It is not uncommon for children to play with matches and lighters. In fact, in a lot of fires started by children it's the children who become the victims of that fire. Matches and lighters should be treated just like a loaded gun, parents should keep them hidden, out of reach and locked away from small children. Children should be taught the dangers of playing with fire. If the problem persists with the child playing with fire, professional hlep should be sought. ###