August 21, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100053) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us FIRE DESTROYS HOUSE ON CHING DAIRY LOOP Mobile Fire Investigators are investigating the cause of a fire that caused approximately $200 thousand to a house located at 3651 Ching Dairy Loop, West this morning, Monday, August 21, 2000. The fire was reported at approximately 3:28 a.m. and firefighters arrived to discover the one-story, wood frame with brick veneer structure fully involved with fire. Also damaged was a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. The owners, Delano and Joyce Gorski were not home at the time of the fire. The structure had reportedly been struck by lightening at approximately 6:13 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, August 20, 2000 and reported to Mobile Fire-Rescue and Semmes Volunteer Fire Department. When Mobile Fire-Rescue Unites arrived at approximately 6:24 p.m. on Sunday, Semmes Volunteers were already on the scene and had the small fire in the attic out. An electrical wire in the attic was found smoldering. The power meter was removed by Alabama Power Company and a some insulation was removed from the attic area. Mobile Fire-Rescue Investigators are investigating the second fire to determine if it was related to the first fire in the structure. No injuries were reported. Engines 1, 15, 18, truck 10, rescue 1 and District Chief Howard Ollhoft, Sr. responded. ###