By Jamie Burch
Published: Wed, April 30, 2008 - 1:26 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 30, 2008 - 8:30 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 30, 2008 - 8:30 pm
The Maids of Mirth released this statement in response to the fire:
"On behalf of the Maids of Mirth, we are saddened by the loss of our floats and fire damage to our warehouse. We want to express our gratitude to the Mobile Fire Department for their prompt response. Also, we wanted to thank the other Mystic Organizations who have offered their help and support. We are looking forward to plans of rebuilding for our 60th Anniversary Celebration on Feb 14th 2009. Let the good times Roll!!!"
1:26 p.m.
Mobile Fire-Rescue has finished it's investigation into a fire that damaged or destroyed 10 Mardi Gras Floats. But investigators still don't know what caused it.
A Port Authority Police Officer spotted the fire around 8:45 Tuesday night. When firefighters arrived at the Maids of Mirth float barn, located at the corner of South Conception and Pillians Streets in downtown Mobile, they saw heavy smoke pouring out of the metal warehouse. It took 15-20 minutes to get the fire under control.
Investigators returned to the scene today. Because of the large amount of combustibles and debris, the fire department says it cannot determine an exact cause. But, Mobile Fire-rescue says it appears to be accidental.
News 5 spoke with members of the Maids of Mirth Parading Society. They did not want to go on camera, saying they are still too shaken up by the fire.
The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damage.
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