Infant Boy dies From Injuries From Fire Caused By Ivan Damage

    Oct. 7, 2004
    A 9-month-old boy died from burns he suffered in a fire that apparently started when wiring damaged by Hurricane Ivan short-circuited, the child's grandmother said.
    MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- A 9-month-old boy died from burns he suffered in a fire that apparently started when wiring damaged by Hurricane Ivan short-circuited, the child's grandmother said.

    Earline Sliger said Matthew Stanford died Tuesday at the Shriner's Hospital in Galveston, Texas, after being transferred from Birmingham.

    Officials said Matthew, his 3-year-old brother, Kevin, and their parents, Janice Sliger and Chris Stanford, were injured in the Sept. 30 fire that destroyed their home.

    Earline Sliger said fire inspectors told the family Tuesday that wiring damaged during Hurricane Ivan appeared to have short-circuited and started the fire.

    Assistant state fire marshal Ed Paulk said the fire's origin was ruled undetermined, but not suspicious.

    Based on previous reports, Matthew is the ninth person killed in Alabama as a result of Hurricane Ivan.

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