October 2, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-41) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org VACANT HOUSE FIRE 1823 ST. CHARLES AVENUE A fire in a vacant 1-story, wood frame structure located at 1823 St. Charles Avenue caused an estimated $10 thousand in damage Monday morning, October 2, 2006. The fire was discovered and reported by the owner, Rose Marie Herron, who lives next door to the structure at approximately 8:17 a.m. Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 8:22 a.m. and reported heavy smoke coming from the structure. The structure was secured and firefighters had to force entry to gain access to the structure and fire. The fire appears to have originated in the living on or near a sofa in the room. Fire damage was contained in the living room. There was smoke damage throughout. The structure had power connected until approximately 6:30 a.m. today when Alabama Power disconnected the meter. The cause of the fire appears to be accidental but remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Engines 8, 12, 14, truck 17, rescue 14 and District 1 Chief John D. Young responded. ###