November 29, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100081) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us EARLY MORNING FIRE DAMAGES HOUSE ON BELSAW STREET Mobile Firefighters responded to a fire at 619 Belsaw Street early Wednesday morning, November 29, 2000. The fire was discovered by Jerry Coleman, 13 and reported to Mobile Fire Rescue Department at approximately 1:32 a.m. Firefighters arrived on the scene a short time later at approximately 1:37 a.m. and reported flames showing from the rear of the structure. Emogene Slay, 69 is the owner and occupant. Also living at the residence at the time of the fire was Slay's grandchildren: Kenyath Coleman, 15; Jerry Coleman, 13; Diamond Slay, 5; and Amy Slay, 8 months. The fire that caused an estimated $40 thousand in damage to the single story, wood frame/brick veneer structure, appears to have originated in a Left rear bedroom and extended into the attic and Right rear bedroom. There was heavy damage to the rear and attic of the structure. Mobile Fire Investigators were told that Jerry Coleman woke up and heard what was described as "something stomping". Coleman looked up and saw his uncle's room on fire and he immediately went to the front of the house and yelled out to the others in the structure to get them out to safety. The uncle, Ronald Crear, 50, was not home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 17, rescue 14 and District 1 Chief Robert Hill responded. ###