September 19, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-35) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org UPDATE ON 1312 BROOKE AVENUE FIRE Investigators with the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department have concluded their investigation into the cause of the fire at 1312 Brooke Avenue. The fire appears to have originated in the front living room of the structure near a window unit air conditioner. The cause of the fire appears to have been an overloaded power strip. Investigators found multiple appliances plugged into the strip with most likely over loaded. They believe a spark caught the curtains on fire, which fell on a nearby sofa causing it to slowly burn. There were two smoke detectors found in the house, one detector was badly melted and it is not sure if it worked during the fire or not. The second detector had a battery in it but the battery was not plugged into the detector. It is not believed that either detector was working however. A reminder that working smoke detectors are very important. There should be one in every room of the house or at the least outside the sleeping areas. If there are multiple floors in the house then a smoke detector should be placed on every level. Detectors should be checked and tested at least every month if not more often. Battery operated detectors should have batteries changed at least once a year. Every family should have an escape plan and have practiced that plan often so they will know how to get out in the event of a fire. As always do things to prevent fires from happening but always be prepared in the event a fire does happen. ###