February 08, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-19) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org TWO ALARM FIRE DAMAGES THREE HOUSES Mobile firefighters responded to, what first seemed like a repeat of a fire that occurred on January 26, three houses on fire on Savannah Street early this morning, February 8. The call was received at approximately 3:15 a.m. and when firefighters arrived they reported three houses on fire, one completely destroyed and two others involved with fire. Firefighters immediately requested a second alarm response. The heat from the fire was so intense that it was blistering the paint on the exterior walls and doors of the houses across the street, including the garage containers on the street curb. The fire appears to have originated in the middle house at 958 Savannah Street which was reportedly vacant. That structure was totaled by the fire. The house to the right of the middle house, located at 956 Savannah Street, was occupied but the occupants escaped without apparent injury. The structure received severe damage throughout totally destroying it. The third house located to the left of the house of origin, located at 960 Savannah Street, was also occupied and the occupants escaped without apparent injury. That structure received damage to the exterior and in the attic with smoke throughout the interior. Investigator discovered what appears to have been heavy vagrant activity in the structure and neighbors reported the same. The fire on January 26 was also showed signs of heavy vagrant activity and that was the most likely cause. The cause of this morning’s fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Arson Hotline at 208-MFRD. Total damage is estimated at approximately $80 thousand. No injuries were reported. 1st Alarm Assignment: Engines 2, 3, 11; truck 4; rescue 3 and District Chief Frank Byrd. 2nd Alarm Assignment: Engines 8, 9; truck 17 and Squad 8. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is conducting the investigation. ###