October 3, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-43) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE CLAIMS FAMILY PET A fire in a laundry room claimed the life of a family pet early Tuesday morning, October 3, 2006. The fire occurred at 4592 Airport Boulevard and was reported at approximately 4:10 a.m. Mobile Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 4:15 a.m. and reported light smoke present on the roof from the 1-story wood frame family residence. While firefighters were extinguishing the fire they discovered two cats in the laundry room, one was alive but a second was deceased. The fire was confined to the laundry room. The occupants stated to Mobile Fire Investigators they were using a table lamp that had been left on top of the clothes washing machine. They further stated that the lamp had been left in the on position and that the cats were left in the laundry room with the door shut. Investigators found the lamp at the fires point of origin in a pile of burned clothes beside the washing machine. Investigators believe the lamp was possibly knocked over by one of the cats in the room thus causing the heat of the lamp to start the fire in the clothing. Damage is estimated at approximately $6 thousand. No human injuries were reported. Engines 18, 22, 23, truck 5, rescue 18 and District 3 Chief Bill Glisson responded to the call. ###