3 Killed; 20 Escape Hunting Club Fire

Contact: John S. Robison, State Fire Marshal
334-241-4166

11/25/2002

Three people were killed and twenty escaped an early Sunday morning fire in the Sunflower Community of Washington County.

The fire was discovered by one of the Bull Pen Hunting Club occupants around 1:30 AM November 24th.  The occupant was awakened by a popping sound and immediately began notifying other occupants when he realized the building was on fire.

Occupants of the hunting club stated everyone went to bed between 12:10 and 12:15 AM.  A large fire was burning in the fireplace at that time.

Investigation of the fire by the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office indicates the fire originated at the chimney and appears to be due to a faulty chimney.

Smoke detectors were present in the hunting club at the time of the fire.  The building was a total loss.