February 18, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2010-08) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org TOULMINVILLE HOUSE FIRE A fire in the laundry room of a single story house located at 651 Petit Avenue caused an estimated $80 thousand in damage Thursday morning, February 18. The call was received at approximately 11:02 a.m. after the 22-year-old occupant discovered the fire and escaped unharmed with her 2-year-old child. Firefighters arrived at approximately 11: 09 a.m. The occupant, who lives with her mother the owner of the structure, told Mobile Fire Investigators that she was drying some clothes and smelled smoke; she went to investigate and discovered the fire coming from the dryer in the laundry room. She then proceeded to get her daughter and escape the structure. The fire appears to have originated from the dryer which was improperly vented causing a build up of lint. The fire extended up into the attic. There was smoke damage throughout the structure. Engines 12, 14, 15, truck 10, rescue 3 and District Chief Aubrey Bishop responded to the call. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. Due to the power and water having to be shut off the occupants are being assisted by the MFRD Chaplain’s office. ###