June 12, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-38) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org VACANT HOUSE DAMAGED BY FIRE Vagrants may be responsible for a fire in a vacant house at 162 Randolph Street that occurred this morning, Tuesday, June 12, 2007. The fire was reported at approximately 3:31 a.m. and Firefighters arrived at approximately 3:35 a.m. reporting heavy fire and showing through the roof of the one-story, wood frame structure. The structure was not secure upon firefighter’s arrival. Firefighters searched the structure and found no one inside. The structure was not serviced by any utilities and Mobile Police Officers on the scene told Fire Investigators that the structure was a known “crack house” and was not secured for unauthorized entry. This was also supported by neighbors. The fire appears to have originated in the southwest corner bedroom of the structure. The fire spread to an adjoining hallway and bathroom. The fire spread to the attic and ultimately through the roof through the eaves of the structure outside the large window openings in the bedroom. There was evidence of vagrant use in the other rooms in the structure and is believed to have been caused by vagrants. There were no reported injuries, damage is estimated at approximately $50 thousand. Engines 8, 12, 15, 23, truck 10, rescue 23 and District 3 Chief Robert Thornton responded. ###