Man Dies in Attempt to Save Wife From Burning Alabama Home

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- A 60-year-old man died in an attempt to rescue his wife from their burning home. She later was rescued by police.

Hubert Dennis Sr., a nightclub manager and retired postal worker, died in the blaze about 2:45 a.m. Thursday in the Thomas neighborhood, said Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Jay Glass.

Shirley Dennis, 58, an elementary school teacher, was in serious condition at UAB Hospital, said hospital spokesman Hank Black.

Fire Department spokesman Capt. C.W. Mardis said two Birmingham police officers found Shirley Dennis lying just inside the front door. Her husband's body was in the living room.

It was Birmingham's second fire death so far this year, and both were in the same block, Mardis said.

Firefighters had been in the neighborhood recently handing out free smoke detectors.