August 25, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-65) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org FREDERICK STREET FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL Mobile Fire Investigators have determined the cause of the fire that claimed the life of Carlos Moton, 31, in a house fire located at 2903 Frederick Street in Crichton, Sunday evening August 24. The fire was reported at approximately 10:20 p.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 10:24 p.m. reporting heavy fire coming from the front of the structure. The house was occupied by Moton, Ruthie Kimbrough, 22, Chris Kimbrough, 36 and Ruthie’s Daughter Jessie. Ruthie told Fire Investigators she was cooking chicken and went to the bathroom, upon her return she discovered the grease in the pan had caught on fire. Ruthie yelled that there was a fire and for everyone to get out. She grabbed her daughter and escaped. Chris Kimbrough escaped as well and noticed his friend Carlos Moton had not yet emerged from the burning structure. Chris went to a side door, which is where the kitchen was located and attempted to break in the door, was injured and was unable to breach the door. Chris was treated on the scene by Mobile Firemedics and transported to USA Medical Center with 2nd degree burns to his right arm and a cut to his left arm. There were two doors to escape from; one was through the kitchen which was most likely blocked by the fire. The second door was at the front of the house. The windows had burglar bars on them. Moton was found in the utility room of the house apparently after being over come by the smoke and heated fire gases, an autopsy will determine exact cause. It is unknown at this time why Moton was unable to escape from the structure; it may be that all exits from the structure were blocked by smoke, heat and/or fire. The fire has been ruled unintentional/accidental, caused by food being left unattended on the stove. Damage is estimated at approximately $60 thousand. ###