May 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-42) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org CIGARETTES RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSE FIRE A house fire located at 268 Houston Street was reported at approximately 11:33 p.m. Thursday, May 1. Firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 11:37 p.m. reporting smoke and flames coming from the single story, wood frame residence. Once inside firefighters encountered fire in the southwest corner of the house in a bedroom. A search of the structure revealed all occupants had escaped. The occupant, James Sanders, 56, told Mobile Fire Investigators he was in the bedroom where the fire started sitting on the bed smoking a cigarette. He stated that he knocked over an ash tray onto the mattress and it caught on fire. Sanders attempted to extinguish the fire himself, but it grew too large for him to do so. Sanders stated he then ran down the street to the store to call for help. The fire appears to have originated in the bedroom and based on evidence and Sanders statement it was concluded that the fire did start on the bed and was caused by cigarettes not completely extinguished. The house suffered heavy smoke and heat damage throughout causing an estimated $12,500 in damage. No injuries were reported. Engines 8, 9, 12, truck 17, rescue 24 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded. ###