March 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-20) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE MAN TRAPPED IN BUILDING FIRE Mobile firefighters responded to a building fire with someone reportedly trapped inside at the 251 Motorsports located at 2865 Government Boulevard on Friday morning, March 21. The call was received at approximately 7:10 a.m. reporting smoke coming from the building. Firefighters arrived at approximately 7:14 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire showing from the one-story concrete block and metal constructed building. When firefighters arrived they discovered Anthony Thornton, 46, locked inside the building screaming for help. Fire Captain Marquis James and Firefighter Zane LaBounty from engine 23 quickly forced entry to the front door of the office area where Thornton was located and assisted him out of the building. According to Captain James there was a large plate glass window between the garage area and the office and the fire was “lapping” on the glass. Moments after getting Thornton out of the building the glass shattered allowing the flames inside the office area. Thornton was treated on the scene with minor smoke inhalation and transported to Springhill Medical Hospital for observation and further treatment as needed. Firefighters also had to use power saws to cut a hole in the overhead doors to the garage area to gain access so they could extinguish the fire. Thornton and business owner, Tschockee Toussaint Rogers told Mobile Fire Investigators that Thornton sleeps in the building at night purportedly for security purposes. Apparently Thornton could not locate the key to get out and became trapped. The fire appears to have originated in the garage area of the business behind a diagnostic machine near a four outlet power connection. The cause appears to have been accidental and caused by an electrical problem. Also damaged were two vehicles in the shop a 1967 Buick Riviera and a newer model Lincoln Continental Town Car. Damage is estimated at $75 thousand. No other injuries were reported. Engines 9, 19, 23, truck 17, rescue 23, District Chief Johnny Morris and Deputy Chief Richard Brannon responded to the fire. ###