February 11, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-08) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE CAUSES DAMAGE TO FIVE APARTMENTS Mobile Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at the Court Yard Apartments, located at 3210 Pleasant Valley Road, Friday morning, February 11, 2005. The call was received at approximately 6:07 a.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 6:13 a.m. reporting heavy fire showing in the upstairs portion of the two-story wood frame constructed structure. The fire appears to have originated in the front bedroom of apartment 234 and caused light to moderate smoke damage to apartments 233, 235 and 236. Apartment 108 downstairs from the fire received some water damage. The fire spread to the outside of the apartment of origin but firefighters were able to quickly bring it under control before it spread further. Initially a 2nd Alarm response was called for but the additional units cancelled before they were used. The cause of the fire appears to have been from a portable space heater in the front bedroom. The heater apparently was too close to the foot of the bed and other articles of clothing. According to one of the occupants the foot of the bed and carpet was on fire. The fire caused an estimated $50 thousand in damage. No injuries were reported and everyone had evacuated prior to the arrival of fire units. Engines 9, 19, 23, truck 24, rescue 23 and District 2 Chief Johnny Morris responded to the call. ###