Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

5-30-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 267-4999

 

 

Fire Department Releases Investigative Findings for Hillside Residential Blaze

 

The cause of the fire that destroyed a family home at 6401 Ridge Tree Circle in Anchorage on May 12^th, 2007 has been investigated and classified as undetermined.  Anchorage Fire Department Investigators ruled out all electrical, mechanical, natural and incendiary causes. The fire has been classified as undetermined after investigation with the probable cause being smoking related.

 

The area of origin of the fire that destroyed the three story single family dwelling with an attached 2 car garage was determined to be the south facing front porch and the item first ignited as a plastic garbage bag with the probable ignition source as a cigarette.

 

The homeowners, Kevin and Kerri Brady described a sequence of events that led to the loss of their home during interview with Fire Investigators:

 

Homeowner Kerri Brady stated that she returned home at approx. 8 PM from a local store.  At 10:30 she was seated at her desk located between the kitchen and the living room of the main floor working on her computer. She heard glass breaking or popping from the south facing front porch, She immediately traveled the approx. 50 feet to the front door, opened it and looked to her right and observed a small fire measuring 3-4 inches in height coming from one of the two trash bags sitting on top of a two seat bench on the porch. She alerted her husband Kevin who was in the lower level of the home.  When she returned to the front door-porch area the fire had grown larger to about 3-4 feet in height. Kevin arrived from downstairs, found an empty cardboard box also on fire on the porch and removed it to the front yard.  He stated that he attempted to hook up a garden hose to a hose bib located adjacent to the fire area, his wife Kerri attempted to contact 911 to summon the fire department and got static. Kevin at this point reenters the home through the front door, calls 911 and is connected with operators and reports the fire. Kerri lets the family dogs out the rear patio door and ascends the stairs to the master bedroom located on the third floor and retrieves her sleeping 4 year old daughter.  As she descends the stairs she sees the stained glass covering on the dressing room window over the lower porch area starting to melt from direct flame contact from the growing fire below.

 

About this same time Kevin gives up on connecting the garden hose after receiving burns from the growing fire, he reenters the front door, meets up with his wife Kerri and they exit through the rear patio door and make their way safely to a neighbor’s house with their daughter.  Kevin and Kerri stated that they watched the fire quickly progress through the front transom window and into the living room area. The windows crack and break allowing the fire to spread inside the home by the strong easterly wind.

 

The Anchorage Fire Department arrived on the scene at 10:54 and reported the structure already totally involved with fire through the third story roof.  They fought a largely defensive fire that threatened to spread to downwind, forest and homes.  Many of the adjoining homes had cedar shake roofs and firefighters began stringing hose in adjacent neighborhoods and extinguishing wind blown embers to keep the fire from spreading.

 

In subsequent days fire officials inspected the fire scene, sifted through debris and interviewed the witnesses. An accelerant detecting dog from the Anchorage Fire Department alerted to the presence of hydrocarbons in several areas of the exterior porch on the night of the fire and also the next day.  These areas were investigated and the materials that burned in the areas were identified as card board boxes and a plastic trash bag filled with polystyrene packing materials in the general area of where the dog had alerted. There was also outdoor furniture that burned and melted in this area, manufactured from HDPE, a hydrocarbon high density polyethylene.  These items would account for the dog alerting in those areas.

 

Kerri Brady stated that she did have one cigarette after returning home the evening of the fire and prior to sitting down at the computer.

She was not sure of the exact time but her best estimate was about two hours prior to the discovery of the fire.  Kerri stated that she always smoked on the second step from the top of the porch and only smoked a few drags from each cigarette.  She then stubbed the cigarette out on the right riser, entered the home, rinsed the remaining cigarette in the sink and placed the remains in the kitchen trash.

 

All electrical, mechanical, natural and incendiary causes were excluded. The fire is classified as Undetermined after Investigation with the probable cause being smoking related.   

 

Mt. View Four-Plex Fire

5/31/07

 

At 0137hrs the Anchorage Fire Dept. received a 911 call reporting a multi-residental home on fire in the vicinity of Peterkin Ave and Schodde St. The caller stated this was a four-plex with flames visible from the front of the structure. 13 units responded to the report and the first due Engine arrived on location at 0144 hrs and called a working fire.

 

Engine 3’s size up included that the four-plex was 50% involved and they were making a fast exterior attack. Upon arrival they also had contact with a patient who had injuries. The Medic unit arrived right after Engine 3, immediately provided patient care and transported to an area hospital.

 

After the arrival of several units they also began to protect exposures to other buildings in close proximity of the burning four-plex. The fire was called under control at 0206 hrs. and the last unit cleared the residence at 0442 hrs.

 

The Fire Investigator responded to the scene and has begun his investigation. The damage is estimated at $150,000-$200,000 and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross also responded and will be assisting with two displaced families affected by the fire.

 

Kincaid Recreation Area

Wildfire

5-21-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

At about 4:30 PM yesterday a 911 caller reported hearing a "pop" and seeing flames rush up the grassy hill at the South end of the motocross track at Kincaid Park, off the West end of Dimond Blvd. in South Anchorage.

The first engine of location was from the Sand Lake fire station and they reported an approx. 100x100 foot fire primarily in grass.  They called for additional units for water supply and launched the Anchorage Fire Department's Fire and Rescue Helicopter, Rotor 1. Aided by the water drops from this helicopter and hoselines layed to the area, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control. 

The Incident Commander called for the assistance of the AK State Forestry Pioneer Peak Crew, a twenty man wildfire crew that has been working for the Anchorage Fire Department on Hillside wildfire mitigation projects and had the crew respond to take over the fire and mop it up to make sure it is completely extinguished.

State Forestry also launched an aerial spotter plane from Palmer that could of been used if retardnat drops were thought necessary to control this fire.

Fire conditions in the Anchorage area are very dry and can lead to the quick buildup of fires if they get started.

This fire is possibly the result of illegal use of fireworks. The Anchorage Fire Department has responded in the past to fires in this area caused by such activity and there did not appear to be any other direct cause. The public is reminded that fireworks are absolutely prohibited in the Municipality of Anchorage.

 

Government Hill Duplex Fire

 

At 12:55 a.m. this morning, May 22, 2007 the Anchorage Fire Department Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a house fire at 830 Cedar St. in Government Hill.  Eleven units were dispatched and Engine 2 from Fire Station One arrived 6 minutes later and called a working fire.  Engine 2 initiated a fast attack as other arriving units from the downtown station assisted.  The fire was brought under control within 8 minutes.

 

The fire remains under investigation but is believed to have started in the arctic entry way between the two units.  An alert youth in one of the units discovered the fire when smoke began pouring under the door.  He alerted his family and the family in the adjoining unit was also awakened.  All persons were able to escape safely. 

 

The fire caused an estimated $5,000 in damage and both families were temporarily displaced.  The Red Cross was summoned and provided housing assistance for one family of 2 adults and 9 children. The other family of 2 adults and 6 children will be staying with relatives in the local area.  At least one of the units had working smoke detectors.  There were no injuries to either the residents or firefighters.

At approx. 1744hrs, 12 units from the Anchorage Fire Department responded to the report of smoke coming from a 4 plex at 13^th and B St. The first unit arrived on location within 5 minutes and advised of a working fire.

 

One unit was a total loss and one unit sustained substantial damage. There were 6 adults that were displaced and Red Cross responded to the scene to assist. Efforts were made to revive several cats and fish. The fire is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at $300,000+

Helicopter Joins Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Suppression Capabilities for Summer Wildfire Season

Beginning Monday, May 14, the AFD Helicopter Aviation Branch will begin a 60-day contract with ERA Aviation to provide aerial support for wildfire suppression in the Municipality Of Anchorage.  The contract also has an option of four, one week extensions if fire and weather conditions deem necessary.  AFD will staff the Bell 212 with a helicopter manager and up to two firefighters for the coordination of bucket operations and helispot safety.  The helicopter carries a bucket that can hold 320 gallons of water for assistance with ground operations for wildfire suppression. It accommodates 9 passengers plus the pilot.

The helicopter is especially useful during the summer wildfire season because it can help coordinate fire apparatus placement, civilian evacuation and suppress fire where ground forces can not safely work.  It also has all risk capabilities such as search and rescue.

The commencement of the helicopter contract comes on the same day as the week Governor Palin as proclaimed “Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Week.” 
Visit www.gov.state.ak.us/proclamations to read the entire proclamation. 

Please contact Jason Kohler for more information at 727-8978.

STRUCTURE FIRE - 6401 Ridge Tree Circle

Contact:  Jen Klugh  ph. 317-9929

 

Call came in on 911 from resident on location at 22:47, Saturday, May 12th to the Anchorage Fire Department initially for a porch fire at 6401 Ridge Tree Circle. 20 units responded with the first unit arriving on scene at 22:54 and called a working fire with fire already through the roof.

 

First arriving units ensured safety of occupants and protected exposures due to the intensity of the fire and wind.  Additional units were called to protect downwind structures from flying embers and brands. 

 

Crews conducted defensive operations due to the imminent collapse of the structure. Closest hydrant did not produce any water; 5” line had to be laid to the hydrant in adjacent cul-de-sac.  This neighborhood is protected by a community well/water system. 

 

Cause of fire remains under investigation; estimated loss is in excess of $500K.  In addition, two dogs were located and returned to the owners.  The American Red Cross responded with canteen services for the AFD units on location and offers of help to residents.

Structure Fire 3061 Lois Drive

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

14 units with 30 personnel responded to a reported structure fire in a multi family condo unit in the Spenard area at 4:06 PM.  A 911 caller from an adjacent unit was reporting heavy dark black smoke from the deck of an upper story unit with flames moving into the roof eaves above.

The first arriving unit was Engine 5 from the Spenard Road fire station.  They made an agressive attack of the fire from the internal stairway into the apartment unit. They were able to knock the fire down but the ceiling and roof area above the fire collapsed and the fire travelled laterally above the top floor units in the attic space.  Firefighers were not injured in the roof collapse.  

Firefighters were able to access the attic area and extinguish the fire and limit damage to the adjacent upper story units.  Some of the adjacent units did suffer minor water and smoke damage but firefighters kept the flames out of other units. No one was home in the unit where the fire broke out. Another occupant of an adjacent unit was awakened from a nap by his smoke detector going off and was able to safely exit the building.

Firefighters believe the fire started on the deck of the upper unit and spread into the attic space.  The renters in this unit were smokers and did use the deck area to go outside and smoke but were not at home at the time of the fire.  Burned cushions and other materials were found on the deck in the area of the heaviest fire. The cause is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000 to the structure. 

Flat Top Rescue

Chugach State Park

5-11-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

The Anchorage Fire Department responded to the Flat Top parking lot in Chugach State Park, high above Anchorage just before noon today to a 911 caller reporting an injured hiker. Back country rescues in Chugach State Park are the responsibility of the Alaska State Troopers and they requested the assistance of the Anchorage Fire Department in this rescue. AFD responded to the parking lot with 11 units including Rescue 9 with technical mountaineering equipment for high angle rescue work, Rescue 10 with off-road ATV's from the Rabbit Creek Station and extra firefighters and paramedics from the O'Malley and Dimond fire stations as well as command staff from across Anchorage. A total of 24 firefighters responded.  1 Alaska State Trooper also arrived at the scene during rescue operations.   The on-scene commander requested the assistance of the AK National Guard Rescue Helicopter from the Kulis Air National Guard base at the airport.  The Helicopter was on location in about a half hour of the original call.  While firefighters hiked up the Flat-Top trail to assess the situation the Incident Commander was able to talk with bystanders on the trail with the patient that were assisting in giving first aid and keeping the injured hiker warm. 

The injured hiker was a 21 year old male who had been climbing up the trail to the top of Flat-Top with his church group and on the way down had deliberatly slid down a hard packed snow slope alongside the trail cutting his hands and injuring his buttocks and legs in his uncontrolled slide. He reportedly slid 300 yards before stopping.  The injured hiker was unable to walk down the trail to meet rescuers and the ATV's from the fire department were unable to operate to ascend the deep snow of the trail to the area. The Incident Commander decided to have the helicopter rescue the hiker.  The guard helicopter was able to drop  pararescue personnel who were able to treat the victim and hoist him up into the helicopter and transport him to Alaska Regional Hospital suffering from lacerations to his hands and some non-life threatening injuries to his legs.  

Firefighters were all able to get back to the parking area safely and the rescue operation was terminated at 1:39 PM.

For More information on back-country rescue operations of the Anchorage Fire Department please contact Tom Kempton at 317-7233.

Anchorage Fire Department

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

5-10-2007

Carbon Monoxide Suspected in Teenager's Death

Firefighters and Police Officers were called to a home at 520 W 87th at 5:04 PM

An adult female 911 caller was reporting that she had found her 13 year old daughter unresponsive and cold to the touch at this address.  First arriving firefighters found elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide inside the structure and with the assistance of Anchorage Police Officers were able to move the adult female to a medic unit where she was treated and transported to a local hospital suffering from what they beleived was carbon monoxide poisoning. Firefighters wearing protective self contained breathing apparatus made entry into the structure to search for any additional victims and found elevated levels throughout the dwelling.  Firefighters working with technicians from Enstar natural gas did not find an obvious source for the deadly Carbon Monoxide gas and are still investigating the incident.

This dwelling did not have Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, odorless, colorless gas.  The only way to detect it in your home is with a properly operating Carbon Monoxide detector. 

 

 

 

 

Garage Fire Destroys Motorhome

5-10-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

10 units from the Anchorage Fire Department responded just after 2 PM today to numerous 911 calls about fire in a detached garage at 4203 Wilson Street, just North off Tudor Road near the Minnesota and Tudor intersection. 

The first fire engine on location was Engine 5 from the Spenard Fire Station.  They reported heavy fire coming from the south entry door of this three car garage. The fire had also spread out of the garage and destroyed the motorhome parked under the carport next to the garage.   Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one unit of the garage and the motorhome.  Damage was estimated at $50,000.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to an electrical problem in the garage.  

Fire Damages East Side Apartment

 

An early morning fire caused minor damage to an East Anchorage Apartment building at 1450 Northview Drive on May 9, 2007.  The Anchorage Fire Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 12:46 a.m. reporting the exterior wall of a multi-unit apartment building on fire.  Fourteen units were initially dispatched to the fire and first arriving units from the Muldoon/Patterson Fire Station reported smoke showing from the eves.  The crew quickly pulled an attack line and entered the structure finding that the fire had not breached the exterior wall.  A Working Fire was called and as additional crews arrived they began to remove the exterior siding to extinguish the blaze.  The fire was called under control within fifteen minutes.

 

Damage was contained to the exterior of the structure, causing approximately $10,000 in damage.  Fire officials determined the blaze was started by exterior light fixtures covered by paper as the building was being prepped for painting.  The heat from the light fixture ignited the paper that went unnoticed until the exterior wood began to burn.  There were no fire ground injuries and no one was displaced by the fire.