NEWS RELEASE August 2, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH100049) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 SHIP FIRE CONTAINED BY ON BOARD EXTINGUSIHING SYSTEM Firefighters from Mobile Fire-Rescue Department were called to a fire on board a cargo ship at the Alabama State Docks early this morning, August 2, 2000. The fire was reported at approximately 3:10 a.m. on board the M/V Fret Sologne which had French Registry. The fire was in the cargo hold of the ship, which was carrying large boiler parts to be off loaded at the State Docks. Firefighters upon arrival immediately called for a 2nd Alarm assignment because it was unknown the extent of the fire. It was learned that the ship had a built-in extinguishing system and the decision was made to use that first before committing personnel below deck. The system of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) was activated at approximately 4:00 a.m. and the ship was kept sealed for approximately 45 minutes to an hour to allow the CO2 to work. Afterwards firefighters went below to check out the hold and cargo to insure the fire was extinguished, which it had been. The fire burned an approximately 50 X 30 area and originated from plastic and cardboard used in wrapping the cargo. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported. Estimated damage is unknown. Engines 3, 21, 8, truck 4, rescue 3 and District 1 Chief Ed Salva responded on the first alarm. Engines 14, 11, truck 17, rescue 14 and District 3 Chief John Hicks responded on the 2nd alarm. ###