April 30, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-39) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org INVESTIGATION INTO FLOAT BARN FIRE CONCLUDED Investigators with Mobile Fire-Rescue have concluded their investigation into the cause of the fire in a float barn on Tuesday evening and due to the large amount of combustibles and fire debris are unable to determine an exact cause to the fire. That fire was responsible for an estimated $200 thousand in property damage to the float barn belonging to the Maids of Mirth Parading Society on Tuesday evening April 29. Approximately 10 floats were damaged or destroyed. The fire was reported at approximately 8:43 p.m. by a Port Authority Police Officer. Firefighters arrived at approximately 8:47 p.m. reporting heavy smoke coming from the large metal warehouse located at the corner of 1104 South Conception and Pillians Streets. A second alarm assignment was requested to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene to assist. Firefighters forced entry through a front door and opened two large metal roll up doors for easy excess to the fire. They were able to bring the fire under control within 15-20 minutes. Fire Investigators were back at the scene today, Wednesday, April 30 to continue their investigation into the cause of the fire. It was determined there had been people working in the building earlier in the day but that work had concluded near or after noon on Tuesday. Investigators were able to determine the area the fire started but nothing there could definitively be determined as the exact cause noting that all indications are it was accidental. No injuries were reported. Engines 2, 3, 11, 8, 9, truck 4, 17, rescue 3, District Chiefs Frank Byrd, Johnny Morris and Deputy Chiefs Ricky Brannon and Randy Smith responding to the blaze. ###