March 3, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-12) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS MOBILE MANS LIFE Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Dispatchers received numerous calls reporting a house on fire at 667 Dauphin Island Parkway near Bankhead Street on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. The initial call was received at approximately 9:13 a.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 9:15 a.m. reporting heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the one-story, wood frame structure. As firefighters made entry into the structure to extinguish the flames they discovered an 88-year-old male occupant laying face down in the hallway. It appeared he was attempting to escape when he was overcome by the heat and smoke from the fire. Firefighters brought the victim outside as Firemedics were pulling up to the scene and CPR was immediately initiated. Firemedics noted that the victim had 1st and 2nd degree burns to his torso, upper and lower extremities and 3rd degree burns to his back. It was also noted that the victim had black soot around his nose and burns to his airway. He was transported to Mobile Infirmary Medical Center where despite the best efforts of the firemedics and firefighters, he later died from his injuries. Firefighters discovered and extinguished the main body of fire in a bedroom and living room both located at the rear of the structure. The victim’s son told Fire Investigators that he checks on his father every morning and found nothing out of the ordinary today. He also has a caretaker from his church that checks on him daily as well. The care taker had not been to the residence prior to the fire this date. The son further stated to investigators that his father lived alone but was not an invalid nor was he wheel chair bound. His did indicate that his father no longer cooked and that meals were brought in daily. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time but preliminary results indicate nothing suspicious and it appears the fire was accidental. It appears the fire started in the rear bedroom and spread to the adjacent living room, also sending heavy heat and smoke throughout the structure. Damage is estimated at $50 thousand. No other injuries were reported. Engines 8, 9, 12, truck 17, rescue 3 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded. The fire is being investigated by the Mobile Fire Marshals Office with assistance from Mobile Police Department. ###