February 12, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2010-07) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE DESTROYS DETACHED GARAGE The cause of a fire that destroyed a 2-car detached garage at 2612 McFarland Road Thursday night is being blamed on an unattended electric space heater that had combustibles sitting to close to it. The fire was reported at approximately 8:42 p.m. and firefighters arrived reporting the structure was fully involved with fire. No injuries were reported. The owner told Mobile Fire Investigators that he was in bed watching television when he heard a loud pop that sounded like it came from behind his house. Approximately 5 minutes later he heard several more pops and went to another room that was across from the garage and saw flames in the garage. He called 9-1-1 and exited the house and waited on the fire department to arrive. Based on evidence and witness statements the fire was determined to have originated in the area near the middle of the work room. Investigators found the electric space heater, which was powered by an extension cord, along with some combustibles that were sitting on the floor near to the heater. Damage is estimated at $50 thousand. Engines 6, 22, 29, truck 5, rescue 29, District Chief John Young and Seven Hills Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating. ###