April 22, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Morning Fire Damages Mooretown Home

Shreveport firefighters responded to a roaring house fire this morning at 1816 Doris Street just after 9:00 a.m.

When crews pulled up to the Mooretown neighborhood home, flames and smoke were billowing out of every side of the single story wood frame structure. A vehicle was also heavily involved in fire under the residence’s carport. Fire crews attacked the fire by breaking in and gaining access to the inside of the home. Once inside they were able to find the main fire source of the fire coming from a storage room. There were also reports that a family dog was inside of the home. Engine 9's crew found the beleaguered pet and firefighter Derrick Austin brought it outside and revived the canine with oxygen.

Fire crews were forced to tear down part of the home’s ceiling to gain access to the attic and check for additional fire. After nearly 30 minutes of intense fire fighting, officials listed the blaze as under control at 9:31 a.m. The entire residence sustained heavy damage, including the lone vehicle under the carport. Other than the dog, no other injuries were reported. Fire investigators have said the cause of the fire was accidental. Investigators said that earlier this morning the home’s resident threw some material into an attached utility room that knocked over a gas can. The vapors from the gas were ignited by the open flame of the hot water heater in the utility room starting the fire. ###