October 5, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-73) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org TRAILER FIRE CLAIMS LIFE IN WEST MOBILE A fire in a 25-28 foot travel trailer claimed the life of a 54 year old man Friday, October 5. The fire occurred behind 1236 Wilkins Street in West Mobile. The fire was reported at approximately 12:33 p.m. indicating someone may be inside and when firefighters arrived they reported heavy fire in the front of the travel trailer. Firefighters forced entry and found the victim in a sleeping position in a back bedroom. Firefighters quickly pulled him out but it was discovered that the smoke and heat had already claimed his life. The victim’s sister told Mobile Fire Investigators that she and her husband were outside in front of their home and that she was sweeping the side walk when she smelled something burning like rubber. She told her husband and they both checked discovering the fire in her brothers travel trailer. She called 911 while her husband attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but preliminary indications are that it was accidental. Investigators were told by both family members and neighbors that the victim had a serious drinking problem and that he was also a heavy smoker. The fire appears to have originated in the front living room near a sofa and spread to an adjacent kitchen with smoke and heat throughout. No other injuries were reported and no damage estimate is available. Engines 1, 22, 29, truck 10, rescue 1 and District 3 Chief Alex Trenier responded. ###