July 18, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-34) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MAN BURNED IN FLASH FIRE Firefighters from Mobile Fire-Rescue responded to a flash fire in a commercial building located at 4664 Halls Mill Road Tuesday, July 18, 2006 that injured a male employee of the business. The fire occurred at Delta Stone LLC, listed as an interior custom stone products company. The call was received at approximately 11:05 a.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 11:07 a.m. reporting heavy smoke coming from the rear of the metal building. The fire was discovered to be out upon arrival however firefighters encountered a male employee that appeared to have received 2nd degree burns on approximately 63% of his body from the flash fire. The male employee was transported to the University of South Alabama Medical Center for further treatment. Based on witness statements and evidence on the scene, Fire Investigators determined that the fire appears to have been caused when the employee was transferring alcohol from a large container into a smaller container using an electric pump. Apparently there was a spark or arch when the pump was started causing it to ignite the fumes from the alcohol engulfing the employee in the flames. Fire Investigators also determined that the pump being used was not designed or rated for the type operation it was being used for. There was only cosmetic fire damage and minor smoke damage in the work area of the building. No other injuries were reported. Engines 7, 19, 23, truck 5, rescue 7 and District 1 Chief Bill Glisson responded. ###