Midtown Mobile House Fire: Blaze Spreads From Burning Cars in Garage to South Monterey Street Home

MOBILE, Ala. — A midtown Mobile house fire that started with two vehicles burning inside a detached garage spread to a home on South Monterey Street early Monday, Oct. 19, before firefighters brought it under control. No one was hurt.

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department crews were called to the scene on South Monterey Street, near Laurel Street, at about 4:30 a.m., according to officials.

Cars Burning in a Detached Garage

When firefighters arrived, they found two cars on fire inside a detached garage, officials said. Flames had already begun spreading from the garage to the nearby home.

Crews worked for about 25 minutes to get the fire under control. Officials reported no injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials did not release information about the extent of the damage to the home or the garage, or about how many people live at the residence.

Why Vehicle and Garage Fires Spread Quickly

Fires involving vehicles can grow rapidly and burn intensely. Cars contain fuel, oil and other fluids, along with plastics, rubber and upholstery that burn hot and produce thick, toxic smoke. Garages often add to the danger because they are commonly used to store gasoline cans, paint, lawn equipment, cleaning chemicals and other flammable materials.

Even when a garage is detached from a house, a fire can spread to the home through radiant heat, wind-driven embers and direct flame contact, particularly when the structures sit close together. Early-morning fires present an additional risk because most residents are asleep and may not notice smoke or flames until a fire has grown.

Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

Fire safety organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration, recommend several steps to help protect families and property:

• Install smoke alarms: Place smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Test them monthly: Press the test button once a month, and replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
• Make an escape plan: Know two ways out of every room, choose an outside meeting spot and practice the plan with everyone in the household at least twice a year.
• Store flammables carefully: Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids in approved containers, away from heat sources, and limit how much you store in garages and sheds.
• Watch for vehicle warning signs: Have a vehicle inspected if you notice fluid leaks, a burning smell, smoke, or electrical problems such as blown fuses or flickering lights.
• Get out and stay out: If a fire starts, leave immediately, call 911 from a safe location and never go back inside a burning building.

October Is Fire Prevention Month

The fire comes during October, when fire departments across the country focus on fire prevention education. Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, is observed each October in recognition of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and many departments extend their outreach through the entire month.

The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services and fire prevention services throughout the city of Mobile. Residents with questions about smoke alarms, home fire safety or fire prevention programs can contact the department.

Investigation Continues

Fire investigators work to determine where and how a fire began by examining burn patterns, the remains of possible ignition sources and accounts from residents and witnesses. In this case, officials said the cause of the South Monterey Street fire remains under investigation.

Anyone who saw anything unusual in the area of South Monterey Street and Laurel Street early Monday morning may share that information with the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. This story will be updated if officials release more information about the cause of the fire.