June 23, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-36) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org SMOKING MATERIALS CAUSE FIRE RESULTING IN DEATH A fire in a small garage apartment located at 21 Westwood Street claimed the life of a 44-year-old man early Tuesday morning, June 23. Mobile Fire-Rescue Dispatchers received a call by someone on a cell phone at approximately 2:24 a.m. reporting the fire. Firefighters arrived at approximately 2:26 a.m. reporting heavy fire coming from all sides of the second floor of the two-story, wood frame garage apartment. When firefighters got the heaviest part of the fire knocked down they discovered the victim in the bathroom. Firefighters had responded to 100 Ellinor Street on Monday, June 22 at approximately 2:31 p.m. where they treated the same victim for injuries sustained when he fell off his bike which were brought on by heat related injuries. He was transported by private ambulance to Springhill Medical Center where he was treated and later released. The victim’s sister and brother-in-law, who live in the house adjacent to the apartment, told Fire Investigators that the victim was a heavy smoker. Investigators found smoking material including a full ashtray in the fire debris. They also advised that several years ago he had experienced a traumatic brain injury and had a diminished mental capacity. Based on the evidence at the scene Investigators believe the fire may have started either in the ashtray itself or on a piece of furniture in corner of the living room where the fire appears to have started. They further believe that the victim may have been asleep in his bed, woke up and discovered the fire. Unable to escape through the front door he closed his bedroom door to prevent the fire and smoke from spreading, he then went into the bathroom closing the door behind him and turning the water faucet on, wetting a towel to breath through to help filter the smoke but unfortunately this was not enough and he succumbed to the smoke and heat. An autopsy will be performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the exact cause of death. The structure was a total loss and damage is estimated at approximately $40 thousand. Engines 8, 9, 12, truck 17, rescue 23 & 24 and District Chief Alex Trenier responded to the call. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating the fire with assistance from Mobile Police I.D. and C.I.D. ###