April 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-24) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org METH LAB FIRE MCFARLAND ROAD Mobile Firefighters and Fire Investigators discovered what appears to have been the components of a methamphetamine lab in a trailer fire that occurred Tuesday night, April 1. The fire, located at 4060 McFarland Road, was reported at approximately 7:05 p.m. and firefighters arrived at approximately 7:07 p.m. discovering a Mobile Home with several additions on fire. Once firefighter extinguished the fire they discovered evidence of a possible meth lab. Fire Investigators with Mobile Fire-Rescue Department examined the scene and discovered the entire west end of the trailer was destroyed and parts of it appeared to have been blown into the yard including the walls, pictures, a window unit air conditioner and various other debris. Investigators also discovered what appeared to be components of a meth lab. William Byron, 76, the owner and one of the occupants of the residence, told investigators he was talking on the phone when he heard an explosion. He ran to the opposite end of the house and found it on fire. He went back to help his wife, Mary Byron, 74, get out only to discover she was already in the front outside. Mary Byron told investigators she was watching television and heard a loud noise. She ran to the other end of the trailer and discovered it was on fire. She ran outside and saw her son, Matthew Byron, 38, screaming and burned. Mary Byron stated she took Matthew to the hospital where he was treated for burns to his face, arms, back, chest and head. It was later discovered by investigators that a friend of Matthew’s, believed to be Richard Bennett, also received burns in the fire and was taken to the hospital by unknown means. Investigators believe the fire originated in the west end of the trailer and was caused by the overheating or operation of a meth lab due to the blast signs in and around the trailer and by the signs of meth lab components found at the scene. Property loss is estimated at approximately $20 thousand. No other injuries were reported. Engines 6, 7, 29, truck 5, rescue 7, water tanker 36, Theodore Volunteer Fire Department and District Chief Martin Stanley responded to the fire. ###