September 11, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100058) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us UNATTENDED BURNING INCENSE BLAMED FOR BUSINESS FIRE Mobile Firefighters were called to a fire at the Very Unique Beauty Supply, located at 880-B Dr. Martin Luther King Avenue on Sunday, September 10, 2000. The call was received at approximately 4:16 p.m. after the owner had returned from shopping and discovered the door handle hot. Firefighters arrived at approximately 4:19 p.m. and discovered fire in a display case inside the 1 story masonry and steel building. Veronique White, 23, told Mobile Fire Investigators that she and a co-worker had come to the beauty supply store to clean up. They had left garbage-containing foodstuffs in the building over the weekend and there was a foul odor. She and the co-worker placed lighted incense sticks in several places in two of her shops and left to go shopping. Upon their arrival back they discovered the fire. The fire appears to have originated in a front display case and firefighters were able to keep it confined to the case. There was heat and smoke damage throughout. Estimated damage is $10 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 14, truck 4, rescue 3 and District 1 Chief Martin Stanley responded. ###