January 11, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-02) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE 654 MERRITT DRIVE, NORTH Mobile firefighters responded to a report of a house fire located at 654 Merritt Drive, North on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. A neighbor at approximately 10:30 a.m. reported the fire and firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 10:36 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof of the structure. The owner of the house, Karen Alexander, was not home at the time of the fire but her brother, Archie Hayes, who lives there also, was at home. A neighbor, Ricky Mitchell, told Mobile Fire Investigators that Hayes was in the back yard raking leaves when he noticed smoke coming from the vents of the house. He told Hayes that he thought the house was on fire and then called 911. He further stated that Hayes ran into the house and attempted to extinguish the fire but was unable too. Mitchell advised he had to get Hayes out through a window. The fire appears to have originated in the heater closet and extended up into the attic. There was a heater and water heater along with storage items in the closet. The cause of the fire which caused an estimated $60 thousand in damage remains under investigation but appears to have been accidental. No injuries were reported. Engines 6, 19, 22, truck 5, rescue 6 and District Chief Randy Smith responded to the incident. ###