June 3, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-31) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE DAMAGES AREA BUSINESSES A fire that originated in Cato Fashions located in the Wal-Mart Shopping complex at 7885 Moffett Road Tuesday evening, June 2, caused an estimated $250 Thousand in damage. The call was received at approximately 7:52 p.m. and firefighters reported light smoke coming from the one-story, masonry building upon arrival. Firefighters encountered heavy, smoke and heat once they made entry into the building. A customer in the store noticed fire coming from a clothes rack near the rear of the store. The customer immediately reported the findings to an employee who attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. Everyone was evacuated without incident and the employee called 911. A combination of aggressive fire fighting and building construction prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses, although there was slight smoke and water damage in Super Cuts, and slight smoke damage in The Shoe Dept., H & R Block and China City Buffet. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Engines 1, 18, 22, truck 5, rescue 1 and District Chief David Rose responded. Units from Semmes Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene and assisted. ###