NEWS RELEASE July 25, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100046) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 ARSON SUSPECTED IN VACANT HOUSE FIRE Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Investigators suspect Arson in a fire that damaged a one-story wood frame vacant house located at 413 Gaston Street. The fire occurred Tuesday, July 25, 2000 and was reported at approximately 12:28 p.m. Mobile Firefighters arrived at approximately 12:31 p.m. and reported heavy fire coming from the structure. The fire also spread to the house next door at 415 Gaston Street. The fire appears to have originated near the front room of the structure at 413 and spread throughout causing an estimated $25 thousand in damage. The extension to 415 was to the exterior and some extension inside the attic causing an estimated $5 thousand in damage. Washonda Howard is the occupant at 415 Gaston Street and told fire investigators that she saw a black male approximately 16-17 years of age, light skinned approximately 5-foot tall wearing shorts and a black T-shirt with red and white stripes. She advised that he was coming out of the house and saw her and ran south on Gaston Street. Moments later she discovered the fire in 413 Gaston Street. Investigators are still investigating and charges will be Arson 2nd. Arson 2nd is a Class B felony and the penalty is imprisonment not more than 20 years or less than 2 years and a possible fine of not more than $10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 4, rescue 14 and District 1 Chief John D. Young responded. Anyone with information are asked to call the Mobile Fire-Rescue's Bureau of Fire Prevention at 208-7484 or Crimestoppers at 208-7000. ###