May 10, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-41) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org OVERNIGHT FIRES KEEP DOWNTOWN FIREFIGHTERS BUSY Mobile firefighters in the downtown area were kept busy with three separate fires overnight. The first fire was reported at approximately 10:46 p.m. at State Street and Washington Avenue. Firefighters arrived to discover a single story, wood frame structure with heavy fire and smoke coming from it. Firefighters discovered. The fire originated in a bedroom and the structure showed heavy signs of vagrant activity. Investigators discovered clothing, bedding, candles and smoking materials in the structure. It appears a candle may have been the culprit but the cause remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $4 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 2, 3, 8; truck 4; rescue 3 and District Chief John Young responded. The second fire occurred at another vacant structure located at St Stephens Road and Pleasant Avenue. At approximately 1:41 a.m. Firefighters were in the area for another call and spotted smoke in the distance went to investigate and upon arrival discovered flames and smoke coming from the single story, wood frame structure. The fire appears to have originated in a bedroom; the cause appears suspicious and remains under investigation at this time. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 14,; truck 17,; rescue 14 and District Chief John Young responded. The third fire was reported at approximately 3:44 a.m. this morning, May 10 at 1259 Glennon Avenue. Firefighters arrived on the scene reporting smoke and flames visible from the single story residence. The family escaped without apparent injury and it appears the fire was caused by overloaded extension cords. There is no damage estimate at this time. Engines 3, 8, 14; truck 4; rescue 3 and District Chief John Young responded to the fire. All the fires are being investigated by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. ###