November 16, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-44) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MICROWAVE FIRE DAMAGES HOUSE Mobile Firefighters responded to a house fire located at 4112 Woodhill Drive on Wednesday, November 16, 2005. The fire was reported at approximately 11:49 a.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 11:56 a.m. reporting fire and heavy smoke coming from the roof of a single story, wood frame with brick structure. The fire originated in the kitchen around the microwave in a cabinet above the stove. The fire extended into the attic and through the roof. There was varying degrees of smoke damage throughout. Damage is estimated between $5-6 thousand. Workers, believed to be electricians working in the area, spotted the fire and assisted the elderly homeowner, Joyce Castle, 78 along with her three cats to safety. She and cats were apparently unharmed. The fire was caused when the owner placed a prepackaged meal in the microwave that was not rated to be microwave safe. This caused a short in the microwave thus causing the fire. Engines 12, 22, 23, truck 5, rescue 18 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded to the call. ###