May 1, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-25) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HART AVENUE HOUSE FIRE A fire in a house located at 241 Hart Avenue caused an estimated $27 thousand in damage early this morning, May 1. The call was received at approximately 3:43 a.m. and firefighters arrived shortly after reporting smoke coming from the single story, wood frame residential structure. Firefighters found and extinguished a fire in the attic and rear of the structure including a porch. The homeowner, Byron McAlpine, told Mobile fire investigators that he was awakened by his brother who lives next door. He stated that his brother told him his house was on fire and he called 9-1-1. He escaped without apparent injuries. Most of the fire damage appears to have been within the walls and the point of origin was inside the exterior of the wall at the rear of the structure. The cause remains under investigation. Engines 12, 14, 15, truck 10, rescue 14 and District Chief Frank Byrd responded to the call. The Mobile Fire-Rescue Departments Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating. ###