Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

March 29, 2007

Shortly after 2:11 a.m. Dispatch received a call reporting a Structure Fire at 7505 Boundary Avenue, space thirty-four, within the Glenn Muldoon Trailer Court. The neighbor described flames emitting from the trailer. Twelve units were assigned to the incident, Engine 6 being the first on scene. Upon arrival Engine 6 called a working fire, established command, and began making a fast attack. The fire was reported under control within fourteen minutes.

The home was later described as a double wide, modular home. Fire damage, including structure and personal belongings, was reported to be in the region of $20,000. A Fire Marshal was called to the scene. The fire remains under investigation at this time. 

Anchorage Fire Chief Craig Goodrich is available for interviews regarding the following bond issues that pertain to the Anchorage Fire Department:

Proposition 7

Remodel of Station 12 to accommodate BOTH an Engine company and a Truck Company as well as Medic Unit and Battalion Chiefs.  This facility also houses the Fire Department Communications Center and offices for Data Systems and administrative personnel.

Having the additional personnel to staff both a truck company and an engine company in the south end of town with its mix of industrial and shopping centers offers faster response with added equipment.

This is a fast growing area of town and bringing additional resources from the nearest stations at Tudor Road or Huffman and the Old Seward can be difficult at peak driving times.

This bond also purchases 2 new engines, one for station 12 in south Anchorage and a replacement engine for the Eagle River Fire station.

 PROPOSITION 7 - ANCHORAGE FIRE SERVICE AREA FIRE PROTECTION BONDS

For the purpose of providing fire protection capital improvements in the Anchorage Fire Service Area, shall Anchorage borrow money and issue up to $3,075,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an annual amount not to exceed $2,249,100 to pay the associated annual operations and maintenance costs? Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated 2007 assessed valuation in the Anchorage Fire Service Area): (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $0.92 to retire the proposed bonds, and (ii)  an annual increase in the Municipal Tax Cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $8.19 to pay for annual operations and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements. The debt shall be first paid from real and personal property taxes levied and collected within the Anchorage Fire Service Area, without cost to properties in Chugiak, Girdwood and other areas outside the Service Area. 

  Proposition 3

 Proposition 3 replaces older high mileage ambulances.

Continues the buildout of the Opticom traffic pre-emption system for the safety of the motoring public and Fire Department emergency responders.

It also funds the continued upgrade of the Emergency Radio Communications system for Anchorage’s First Responders.

PROPOSITION 3 - AREAWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS

For the purpose of providing public safety upgrades, including acquisition of ambulances, areawide communication upgrades, emergency signal system preemption and public transportation vehicles and related capital improvements, shall Anchorage issue up to $5,700,000 in principal amount of general obligation bonds and increase the municipal tax cap by an amount not to exceed $200,000 to pay annual operations and maintenance costs?  The proposed capital improvements would be located within Anchorage. Voter approval of this bond proposition authorizes for each $100,000 of assessed taxable property value (based on the estimated total 2007 areawide assessed valuation in Anchorage) (i) an annual increase in taxes of approximately $1.60 to retire the proposed bonds, and (ii) an annual increase in the Municipal Tax Cap (Charter 14.03(b)(2)) of approximately $0.68 to pay for annual operations and maintenance costs related to the proposed capital improvements

West Anchorage Garage Fire

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. the Anchorage Fire Department Communications Center received a 911 caller reporting a garage fire to the rear of 3002 Barbara St.  Eleven AFD units were dispatched and the first arriving engine company from the nearby Spenard Station reported a working fire.  Fire crews had difficulty accessing the scene because of a number of cars parked in the alley way.  As fire crews began to enter the structure they were confronted with many different types of hazardous materials, many which were typically found in garages, had became involved and were now fueling the fire.  Crews were able to bring the blaze under control in a little over an hour, and the last crew left the scene over three hours after the fire was discovered.  The fire caused extensive damage to the structure and the cause remains under investigation.

Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

3-22-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 907-317-7233

Shortly before 4 AM this morning units of the Anchorage Fire Department were called to a fire in the Church of Latter Day Saints off of Brayton Drive between De Armoun and Huffman roads in South Anchorage. At 8:30 AM this morning units are still pouring water to the persistant fire in the roof of this large church facility.

The fire department was alerted to the fire by a 911 caller who smelled smoke and notice flames from the roof of the church. The fire was also visable to responding units from the Seward Highway.  Initial reports from the first firefighters on location reported that there was no smoke or fire noticable inside the structure but that there was fire through the roof.  Firefighters set up three aerial ladders and poured water into the roof area from above. Attempts to breach a wall on the South end of the strucutre to reach the fire in the roof and attic areas was successful but the fire remained isolated in the roof area itself.  Firefighters had to pull individual firefighters from the roof and to fight the fire with master streams feom aerial apparatus. At this time the fire is still burning in the roof structure and crews are being rotated out to bring fresh personnel and equipment to the scene.

Firefighters are being assisted by the American Red Cross and workers from Street Maintenence which brought fuel to fire apparatus on location.

Water Line Break Damages Multi-Family Unit

Just after 12:30 a.m. Anchorage Fire Department crews were sent to a multi-family residence at 4302 Cope St. for a reported water problem.  When the Truck Company from the Spenard Fire Station arrived they discovered a major break in a water line outside the building that was flooding the lower units of the structure.  All occupants were safely evacuated and two additional AFD units were dispatched to assist on scene crews.  AWWU crews were requested immediately, and Street Maintenance crews were also dispatched to assist with the water flowing into the nearby streets, 2 blocks away.  APD was also requested to block off the affected area. 

Utilities to the building had to be shut off as the water had risen to over 2 feet deep and was endangering the heating system and electric service.  Enstar Natural Gas Co. and Chugach Electric Co.s were requested to respond.  The Red Cross was also contacted to respond and assisted with displaced residents.  

The extent of water damage was beyond AFD capabilities and a private contractor was contacted to assist with restoration services.  The water damage was considered as significant by on-scene crews and no estimate was available at the time of this report.  It’s unknown when residents will be able to return to their homes.  Attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful before AFD crews departed the scene nearly 3 hours after they first arrived.  The property was turned over to the restoration company.  

Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

Contact Tom Kempton

907-317-7233

3-17-2007

11:30 PM

Single Family House Fire

4000 Lakeridge Court

Caused by Improperly Discarded Cigarette

E07 arrived on location at a two story wood frame single family dwelling with heavy smoke and flames venting from the second floor in the rear if the structure. The house had been evacuated. E-7 pulled a preconnect gave a size up, and assignments to incoming units. Due to the fact that we did not have a RIC (Rescue Intervention Crew),  on location attack had to be delayed until enough units arrived. E-7 made a fire attack once RIC was in place, the fire was confined to the second floor. E-7 Captain spoke with a APD officer that was first on location and had interviewed the occupants. All occupants attest to the fact that two girls were smoking up stairs and one flicked a cigarette outside and the other put it in a can to extinguish it. The occupants went down stairs to join their friends. They heard a smoke detector go off. One resident went upstairs to investigate and found fire on or near the bed. He advised everyone to get out and call 911.

11 units responded and the fire was called under control within thirty minutes. The fire was mostly contained to the bedroom areas on the second floor.  The fire did extend into the attic area but did not burn through the roof.  There were no reported injuries. Firefighters estimate the damage to be $30,000 for the structure and nearly $10,000 for furnishings and personal items.  Firefighters were on location early into the morning and went back later to complete a post-fire check to insure that the fire was completely extinguished in walls and ceiling insulation areas. 

Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

Contact Tom Kempton

907-317-7233

3-17-2007

11:30 PM

Single Family House Fire

Caused by Improperly Discarded Cigarette

E07 arrived on location at a two story wood frame single family dwelling with heavy smoke and flames venting from the second floor in the rear if the structure. The house had been evacuated. E-7 pulled a preconnect gave a size up, and assignments to incoming units. Due to the fact that we did not have a RIC (Rescue Intervention Crew),  on location attack had to be delayed until enough units arrived. E-7 made a fire attack once RIC was in place, the fire was confined to the second floor. E-7 Captain spoke with a APD officer that was first on location and had interviewed the occupants. All occupants attest to the fact that two girls were smoking up stairs and one flicked a cigarette outside and the other put it in a can to extinguish it. The occupants went down stairs to join their friends. They heard a smoke detector go off. One resident went upstairs to investigate and found fire on or near the bed. He advised everyone to get out and call 911.

11 units responded and the fire was called under control within thirty minutes. The fire was mostly contained to the bedroom areas on the second floor.  The fire did extend into the attic area but did not burn through the roof.  There were no reported injuries. Firefighters estimate the damage to be $30,000 for the structure and nearly $10,000 for furnishings and personal items.  Firefighters were on location early into the morning and went back later to complete a post-fire check to insure that the fire was completely extinguished in walls and ceiling insulation areas. 

Anchorage Fire Department

Afternoon Structure Fires

3-14-2007

Several afternoon structure fires kept Anchorage Fire Department firefighters busy this afternoon

.

At 4:15 PM 10 units were dispatched to 2632 W 65th AVE, Engine 7 from the Sand Lake fire station was first on location.  When they arrived on location they were informed that everyone was out of the structure and that a mattress was on fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a mattress in a back bedroom and limit fire damage to the rest of the structure.  The occupants will be able to reoccupy the structure and the assistance of Red Cross was not needed.

The second fire came in 15 minutes later at Green Acres Trailer Court 4031 Lore Road. An officer from the Anchorage Police Department reported a fully involved trailer fire with flames coming from the windows.  The first engine on location was from the Huffman Road fire station, they were hampered in their initial attack by lack of water.  The only hydrant in the area was initially blocked and they used tenders to supply water.  The fire was eventually brought under control but not before the fire destroyed the trailer. 

The fire is under investigation and no cause has been determined as yet.  Units are still on location at 7:30 pm this evening.

Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

3-14-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 267-4999

Early Morning Fire on Government Hill

The initial call came in at 5:47 AM for smoke in the hallway of the large apartment complex at 1071 Hollywood Drive on Government Hill in North Anchorage. These large apartment buildings date back to the 1940”s. Disastrous fires in the past in these multi-unit apartments have resulted in numerous tenants being displaced.  The quick action of the fire department in containing this fire to the apartment of origin is credited in limiting damage to the other apartments.  Other tenants were able to re-enter their units within about an hour of the initial call for smoke and flames from this fire.  The occupants of the fire unit were displaced. Red Cross and the owner of the apartment building, Alaska Neighborhood Housing Service are making arrangements for the residents. 

Here is the narrative from the Captain of Engine One from Fire Station One in downtown Anchorage who made the initial attack and brought the fire under control.

Upon arrival E1 saw smoke and fire coming from 2 windows on the third floor on both the A and C sides of the building. Occupants of the building were evacuating into the parking lot and a few were in the downstairs hallway. The top of the stairwell straight up from the parking lot entrance door was filled with smoke with some rolling flames.

E1 requested the next in engine to establish a water supply and for the first in truck to provide ventilation and perform a search. E1 then established Hollywood command. E1 pulled 100' of 3'' working line into the building along with the wye load and deployed the hose in the hallway.

Upon seeing T1, E1 began fire attack in the living room of the apartment. E1 then proceeded to knock down the fire in the bathroom. After searching the apartment E1 had T3 inform command that the fire was under control.

E1 interviewed both occupants of the unit and both occupants said that the fire started in the bathroom from a unattended candle. The occupant stated, "My roommate woke me up and as I left the unit I saw fire in the bathroom." The other resident stated, "I woke up to the smell of smoke and I went to the bathroom and opened the door”. "Smoke poured out of the bathroom setting off the fire alarm; I woke my roommate and left the apartment”.

 E1 assisted T1 with overhaul by removing both couches and the living room carpet to the outside of the building. E1 was then placed in-service. E1 returned to the scene at approximately 0830 for a post fire check. Maintenance was in the unit to began to repair the unit.

Unattended candles are a common source of residential fires in Anchorage. The Fire Department recommends that candles always be placed in a non-combustible holder to contain the melted wax and prevent fires.  Make sure that they are always extinguished when unattended and that they are placed well away from any nearby furnishings or objects that make catch fire.   Smoke detectors give residents’ early warning of smoke and fire in time to escape.  If you don’t have a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector GET ONE!.

TGI Fridays Smoke Investigation

Just before 7 p.m. Sunday evening, March 4, 2007 the Anchorage Fire Department Communications Center received a 911 call reporting the smell of smoke inside the TGI Fridays restaurant located at 190 W. Tudor Road.  Another 911 caller said there was smoke inside the restaurant.  Eleven units were dispatched and the first arriving engine company from the Tudor and MacInnes station reported no smoke or fire visible.  As additional apparatus arrived crews began searching for smoke source.  During their investigation it was found where a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit may have malfunctioned and filled an air duct with smoke.  Also, it was discovered where an improperly disposed cigarette on the exterior of the restaurant into a peat filled planter had smoldered and began to burn the exterior siding.  Maintenance person arrived to assist the fire department in shutting down the HVAC equipment and the planter box problem was quickly mitigated.  All persons in the restaurant at the time of the alarm safely evacuated and there were no injuries reported to either civilians or fire crews during the incident.  No actual damage estimates were available, although believed to be minimal and likely under $5,000.00 (this estimate does not reflect potential HVAC repairs – if necessary).  Restaurant management will determine if any operating closures will be necessary as a result from this incident.

Contact Jennifer Klugh

317-9929

Shortly before 1:00 pm today the resident at 1218 Crescent Dr called 911 to report a grease fire atop her stove. Twelve units from the Anchorage Fire Department were dispatched to the two-story duplex home.  Within minutes, the first engine arrived from Fire Station #4 on MacInnes/ Tudor Rd.  Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire to the kitchen; the room of origin.  All residents were able to exit safely from the home and no injuries were reported. The home did have working smoke alarms that helped to alert residents to the fire. The cause was unattended cooking.

The fire was under control within 20 minutes and did not spread to the connected residence at 1216 Crescent Dr.  However, all residents at both 1216 and 1218 Crescent Dr are not able to stay at the home at the current time.  The Red Cross is currently assessing the needs of all the residents.

Hillside Structure Fire

3-2-2007

4904 De Armoun Road

 At 2:21 PM the Anchorage Fire Department responded 13 units to the report of a structure on fire at 4904 De Armoun Road.   The first arriving unit was from Station 9 at Huffman and the Old Seward, they were on location in 8 minutes.  They reported black smoke coming from the roof area and they were met by the occupants who had safely evacuated.  Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the roof and despite the wind the damage appeared to be light.  The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.