March 5, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-14)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
THIRD ALARM APARTMENT FIRE
Mobile Firefighters responded to what would become a 3rd alarm fire at the Timber Ridge Apartments, located at 6700 Wall Street off Hillcrest Road early Sunday morning, March 5, 2006. The fire was reported at approximately 11:43 p.m. and firefighters arrived shortly after reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof of the three-story, wood frame with brick veneer apartment building. A 2nd alarm assignment was called for because of the size of the building and the amount of fire in the building and eventually a 3rd alarm was called for manpower. The fire originated in the attic of building 10 and spread throughout the attic and through the roof of the building. There were 22 apartment units in building 10.
The fire was discovered by the occupant of apartment 10 E located upstairs on the East Side of the building. The occupant told Mobile Fire Investigators he saw flames above in the chimney area. Investigators determined that the occupant in apartment 10 C had a fire in the fireplace. Upon further investigation it was determined the cause of the fire was a result of the flue pipe making contact with wood in the attic. The heat build up was enough to start the fire and go undetected until it produced enough smoke and flames to be noticeable. Investigators also checked another chimney and flue pipe in another area to compare to the damaged area and it was determine the same problem existed. As a precaution the Fire Marshals Office ask the apartment complex management to send out notices to all residents not to use their fireplaces until further notice so they could be inspected to determine if the problem was wide spread.
No injuries were reported and all residents escaped without incident. Fire damage was confined primarily to the attic and roof however all apartments suffered varying degrees of water damage. Damage estimate is $2.5 million.
Engines 6, 18, 22, truck 5, rescue 6 and District 3 Chief Alex Trenier responded on the 1st alarm. Engines 1, 19, truck 17, District 2 Chief Randy Smith and other department staff responded on the 2nd alarm assignment. Engines 2, 23 and truck 10 responded on the 3rd alarm.
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