Shortly before midnight, AFD received a call from a Fox Hall homeowner reporting the back of their house on fire and three dogs in the residence.  Responding units reported spotting a column of smoke from several blocks away.  The first unit was on location within six minutes.  A total of 14 units responded.  Upon arrival the first unit reported smoke and fire showing from the roof.  Immediately units began setting up a water supply and completing a primary search of the single family home.  All three dogs were evacuated safely.  The damage is estimated at $200,000.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Red Cross is providing assistance to the family.

Garage Fire Injures One

A mid afternoon fire was reported around 2:20 p.m. today, November 11, 2008, at 3207 Dorbrandt St.  Callers to 911 reported fire and smoke billowing from the midtown ranch style home.  Eleven units from the Anchorage Fire Department were dispatched within moments of the first call.

Fire crews from the Spenard Station were on location within two minutes and reported the garage as well involved and called a working fire.  Fireman began attacking the blaze from inside the living area of the home which prevented the fire from advancing into the home.  Additional arriving crews assisted with accessing the fire from outside the garage, ventilating and securing utilities.  The fire was brought under control in about thirty minutes.

Fire officials reported there were two occupants at home when the blaze began.  One of them is believed to have been in the garage working on an automobile draining gas.  The cause of the blaze is likely related to vapors from the gasoline being ignited by a heater unit also in the garage.   One of the occupants reported hearing a small explosion when the fire began.  A male patient received burns to the hands and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

The fire was contained to the garage area of the home, with some credit to the fire door between the two areas.  Extensive damage to the garage is estimated at $25,000.  Utility companies were summoned and assisted with restoring power and heat allowing the residents to continue living in the home.  No assistance from the Red Cross was needed.  A pet cat was found alive and unharmed in the structure.

This incident is a classic example of how a fire can ignite with unintentional acts and oversight of the right combination of elements for fires to begin.  The vapors from the gasoline within the confined area of the garage accumulated to the right amount and once the heater kicked on the resulting combustion occurred.  Fire officials remind home-owners when using or working with hazardous chemicals to ensure the work area is well ventilated.

At approximately 9:36 PM, the Anchorage Fire Department Communication Center received a 9-1-1 call of a propane tank that was attached to a residence that was on fire.  Twelve units were immediately dispatched.  Additional resources were requested from the Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department as well.  The first arriving unit arrived 20 minutes after the call and advised the structure was 20% involved and that the fire had spread into the eaves and roof.  Additionally, the propane tank was fueling the fire as well.  The fire was called under control approximately 60 minutes after arrival.  The cause of the fire is unknown and it is believed that the house is a total loss.

For further information, contact the public affairs office.

Fire Damages Spenard 8 Plex

At 2:30 a.m. this morning Anchorage Fire Department units responded to a fire reported at 3904 Northwood Dr. in Spenard.  A person residing in a 3^rd floor unit of the 8 Plex building said they could hear the fire burning in the lower section.  Eleven fire department units were dispatched to the blaze.

Fire companies from the Spenard Station, which was located literally just down the street arrived within minutes and reported fire on the exterior of the building and entering into a hallway.  Residents were evacuating as fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze.  The fire was called under control in less than 10 minutes.

All occupants safely evacuated the housing complex without injury, and there were no fire ground casualties.  Fire officials said the blaze appears to have started near the laundry room on the exterior of the structure and spread up the side causing an estimated $60K - $80K in damage.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 Enstar Gas Company was called to assist in returning service to the building, although it appears heat to the building will be off until repairs can be made.  Chugach Electric Co. also responded.  American Red Cross officials were summoned and responded to assist 2 or 3 families temporarily displaced.  Additional families may require assistance depending on how quickly the heat can be restored to the building.  Property management staff were contacted and on scene to assist residents and fire officials.

At 5:00 p.m. Anchorage Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire at 1545 S Hoyt #42.  E03 was the first apparatus on location reporting heavy smoke showing.  E03 initiated a fast attack and advised the additional eleven incoming units to continue.  E14 arrived on location, assumed command and began pulling a second water line.  R04 performed the primary search of the residence and determined it was unoccupied.  After investigation it was discovered the fire was started in the kitchen by unattended cooking.  At this time the value of the damage to the residence is estimated at $40,000.  Red Cross representatives responded to provide housing, food and clothing to the two adults and one child that were displaced by the fire

Resident and Pets Safe Following Bathroom Fire

Shortly after 2:30 pm on Sunday, November 2nd, AFD Communications received a 911 call from a resident in an apartment at 4433 San Ernesto reporting a structure fire. Twelve units from the Anchorage Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the three-story apartment building. The EMS Battalion Chief was first to arrive and establish command, followed seconds later by Engine 3, who called a working fire.  The fire was burning in the bathroom of a second floor apartment.  The fire was called under control within 5 minutes. 

There was one resident home with family pets at the time of the fire, all made it to safety.  A candle in the bathroom was determined to be the cause of the fire. Damage is estimated at less than $10,000. The fire originated in the bathroom of a second floor apartment.