February 23, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-14) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org INVESTIGATION OF BAMA MOTEL FIRE CONCLUDED Fire Investigators with the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department have concluded their investigation reference the fatal fire at the Bama Motel that occurred on Monday morning February 19, 2007. 1. Investigators have concluded that the fire was caused by one of the children playing with a lighter thus starting the fire. 2. The fire originated in the front room near the end of the bed and near the curtains of the front window. 3. Investigators have made an analysis the debris and found what may be remains of a smoke alarm. The remains are being x-rayed to make a final determination. 4. Witnesses have indicated they heard a smoke alarm sounding in room 57 where the fire originated. 5. The smoke alarms in the rooms are not monitored alarms nor are they required to be. The smoke alarms are in place to alert the occupant of the room, who then can use a pull station nearby that is monitored on site by motel management. Alarms are on site monitored not off site and meet fire code requirements. 6. The official autopsy has not been concluded on the cause of death; however the two boys showed classic signs of death by smoke inhalation. 7. The two young boys ages 5 and 6 were found in the bathroom. It is likely that the boys were unable to escape through the front door due to the fire; they most likely went to the bathroom to escape the fire and smoke thus becoming trapped and overcome by the smoke and heat. ###