November 13, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2015-36) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE-SOUTH CAROLINA STREET Investigators with Mobile Fire-Rescue determined that the cause of a fire in a duplex located on South Carolina Street to be accidental. The fire was reported at approximately 5:26 a.m. When firefighters arrived they reported smoke and fire inside one side of the duplex and was told that a dog may still be inside the structure. Using a thermal imaging camera, Captain Walt Riley and Firefighter Glen Merritt on truck 4, were able to locate the pit bull named Coco in the rear of the house and safely bring him out to safety. A woman and her three children, ages 18, 19, 20 and a grandchild 8 months old all escaped from the other side of the duplex without apparent injury. The occupant of the duplex affected by the fire was out of town at the time of the fire. The fire appears to have originated in the bedroom of the unoccupied side. The fire traveled up the wall and into the attic but firefighters stopped its progress. There was smoke damage throughout the structure. Damage is estimated at approximately $10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Thermal imaging cameras are a valuable tool for firefighters, it enables them to see possible victims through the smoke and darkness and hidden fire in the wall of a structure. The department needs at least three more and plans to make future purchases. Engines 2, 3, 11; truck 4; rescue 24 and District Chief LeAnn Tacon responded to the call. The Investigate Unit of Mobile Fire-Rescue conducted the investigation. ###