October 26, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2017-23) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-7163/Cell: (251) 605-0984 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIRE DESTROYS HOUSE ON BAY AVENUE The cause of a fire on Bay Avenue that occurred late Wednesday night at approximately 11:34 p.m. remains under investigation at this time. Firefighters arrived on the scene to report the house fully involved with fire and over half of the roof already burned through. The two occupants escaped without apparent injury and with very few personal belongings. The occupants told fire investigators that the house was under renovation and had no power. A candle was left burning in the den area on a chair and were awakened by smoke and discovered the chair burning. One of the occupants attempted to extinguish the fire but it spread to a nearby sofa. The cause of the fire could not be substantiated due to heavy structural fire damage and is still under investigation. Never leave lit candles unattended and never place them on furniture or near combustible materials that could catch on fire. Engines 2, 9, 16; squad 11; truck 17; rescue 24 and District Chief Elbert Cross responded to the call. The Arson Unit of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is conducting the investigation. ###