January 3, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-02) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us MOBILE FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE FIRE IN FOUR HOUSES Mobile Firefighters were called to battle a fire that had started in one house and spread to 3 others on Wednesday morning, January 3, 2001. The fires were located at 1302, 1304, 1306, and 1308 Lola Street at Norman and Cuba Streets. The first call was received at approximately 2:25 a.m. and first fire fighting units arrived shortly after at approximately 2:30 a.m. Engines 3 and 14 arrived almost at the same time and reported two structures heavily involved in fire and spreading to two more structures. As the firefighters were setting up to tackle the fires, the fire caused overhead power lines to fall on the two fire engines taking them out of commission. No firefighters were injured. A second alarm was called to send additional units to assist until power could be shut off from the broken lines. The fire appears to have originated in the bedroom of the one-story, wood frame structure at 1302 Lola Street and spread to 1304, destroying both structures. The fire further spread to 1306 and 1308 causing heavy damage inside them. All the occupants escaped unharmed. Due to quick action and determination by Mobile Firefighters the fires spread was stopped before it reached 4 other structures that were in close proximity. The estimated damage is $100 thousand. The cause remains under investigation but Mobile Fire Investigators are looking for a possible "Alternative Heating Device" as a possible cause. No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross for shelter took all the occupants to a local hotel. The occupants are as follows: 1306 - Teddie Scott; 1304 - Lilly May White; 1306 Joanna Long Myers; 1308 Michael Bryers. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 17, rescue 3 and District 1 Chief Martin Stanley responded on the first alarm. Engines 12, 9, 11, truck 4, rescue 14 and District 3 Chief Howard Ollhoft responded on the second alarm. Approximately 36 firefighters assisted in fighting the fires. ###