January 27, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-12) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org GARAGE APARTMENT FIRE Mobile firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire on Thursday morning, January 27, which was located at 1013 Elmira Street on the corner of Chatham Street. A neighbor out walking noticed smoke coming from the back of the structure; knocked on the doors of the house and apartment to alert the occupants; while another neighbor called 9-1-1 to report the fire. All escaped without apparent injury. The call was received at approximately 7:14 a.m. and firefighters reported on the scene within five minutes reporting light smoke coming from the upstairs apartment at first. Once firefighters made entry into the apartment they discovered heavy fire and smoke inside. The fire originated in an upstairs, attached garage apartment, with one male occupant. Quick work by firefighters contained the fire to that area. The house proper, occupied by a female, her son and another male, received only light smoke. The fire appears to have been caused by combustibles, such as clothing material, that was sitting too close to a space heater. The heat from the heater ignited the items causing the fire. Damage is estimated at approximately eight-thousand dollars to both the structure and contents. No injuries were reported. Once again fire officials are urging people to use heating equipment properly and safely, giving space heaters at least three foot of clearance all the way around it to ensure nothing catches on fire. It’s also important to have working smoke alarms in the home on every level. Engines 2, 3, 8; truck 4; rescue 3 and District Chief John Young responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating. The American Red Cross will be called to assist the occupants. ###