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Articles from
May 2008
Anchorage Fire Department
05.28.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Anchorage Fire Department to Hold Annual Open House Saturday, May 31
The Anchorage Fire Department and the Anchorage Firefighters Local 1264 are pleased to announce our Annual Open House, scheduled for Saturday, May 31st from 10am until 4pm. It is being held behind the AFD Fire Training Center & Fire Station 3, at 1140 Airport Heights. Activities planned include a Kiddie Firefighter Combat Challenge, bicycle helmet fittings by Safe Kids Alaska, and educational booths from the Red Cross and MOA Office of Emergency Management. Fire department specialty teams will be demonstrating their rescue techniques, including structural collapse, swift-water rescue, rope rescue, and vehicle extrication. AFD will have on display several fire trucks, engines and the wildfire suppression helicopter, Rotor-One. LifeGuard Alaska will have on display their fixed-wing air ambulance. Live music will be provided by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific and a free BBQ provided by the Anchorage Fire Department and Anchorage Firefighters Local 1264.
Anchorage Fire Department
05.21.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Burn Permits Suspended for Municipality of Anchorage
Beginning Wednesday, May 22, the Anchorage Fire Department is suspending all burn permits until further notice. Burning with a permit will be allowed when a change in the weather allows the suspension to be lifted.
Current weather conditions bring an increased risk of wildland fire, as residents of south central Alaska have witnessed in the past week with the numerous brush fires in the area. There has only been 1/100th of an inch of precipitation since May 12 in most of the Anchorage area. The low precipitation, rising temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds contribute to the fire danger. Tall grasses are not yet fully green, and have a deep layer of dead grass at their base. These fuels are extremely dry and when ignited can rapidly spread fire.
Fires are permitted when contained in an approved outdoor fireplace or barbeque grill. These fires must be contained within the device and have an area of less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. They must be placed on a non-combustible surface or at least 12 inches from the ground with a screen or lid covering the top. The fire must be located at least 15 feet from adjacent structures.
Homeowners are reminded to prepare their homes for wildfires. Move firewood and all combustibles at least 30 feet away from your home. Rake away dead leaves and grass at least 10 feet. Reduce the number of conifers trees within 30 feet of your home. Visit www.muni.org/fire for more information on Firewise practices.
As an alternative to burning, there are several free wood lots available for the disposal of woody debris – no stumps, grass, lumber or trash are accepted.
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Wood Lot Location |
Hours |
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Eagle River: Regional Landfill/ Hiland Road |
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 am – 5 pm |
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Girdwood: Industrial Park on Ruane Rd |
Saturdays, 9 am – 6 pm |
Vacant House Burns Again
Saturday, May 17th, around 4:25PM, passerby called 9-1-1 to report a house on fire behind where the greenhouses used to be located on the east side of Muldoon where Debarr intersects. The caller reported flames and smoke coming from the roof of the house.
Eleven units were immediately dispatched and the first unit arrived on location approximately four minutes later reporting flames and smoke coming from the rear of the residence. The fire was called under control approximately 30 minutes after the initial call.
This premise was vacant as it had experienced a previous structure fire several months ago and there was a concern for firefighter safety as the integrity of the structure might have been compromised in the previous fire.
The structure suffered considerable amount of damage and is considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Duplex Fire Injures One
Duplex Fire Injures One
At 0119 hours this morning, May 18th, Anchorage Fire Department Communications Center answered a 911 call from a person trapped in a duplex located at 6140 Austin St. Other occupants had reportedly already escaped and the callers egress was blocked by the quickly spreading fire. Eleven units were initially dispatched and while enroute three additional resources were added because of unverified information.
Engine 4 from the Tudor/MacInnes station arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial call and reported one half of a single story duplex 60% involved. A working fire was called and additional crews arrived within moments of Engine 4. Fire crews were able to determine the trapped occupant had been rescued from a bedroom window by APD officers and a passerby. Fire crews had to work quickly as the blaze was spreading to a nearby structure and threatening the adjoining unit. Their efforts were successful in containing the fire to the originating unit, although some damage did occur to the adjoining unit’s roof, and some minor exterior damage occurred to the neighboring structure. The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes.
One patient was transported to a local hospital to treat injuries possibly resulting from exposure to smoke. It is believed this to be the same person who was rescued from the bedroom. No fire ground injuries were reported and Red Cross was summoned to assist with two displaced adult occupants. Occupants from the adjoining unit were not home during the fire and it’s unclear if they will require assistance or if their home remains habitable. Two AFD fire investigators responded and later called for the AFD K-9 Jodi, on loan from the ATF, to assist with determining the fire origin and source. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and damage estimates could exceed $150,000.
Wildfire Mitigation Project - Muldoon Park: South Perimeter
To mitigate the risk and hazard of wildfire in the neighborhood, the Anchorage Fire Department has partnered with the MOA Parks & Recreation Department to treat the southern perimeter of Muldoon Park between Muldoon Road and Patterson Street, along 32nd Avenue. Spruce bark beetle killed trees will be removed. Additionally, residual spruce trees will be pruned to limit fire spread into the tree tops and to reduce their susceptibility to future bark beetle attacks. Tree tops and limbs will be mulched onsite and native grass will be planted for re-vegetation. Firewood will be brought to the
roadside for use by local residents. This project will limit the available fuel for brush fires to spread to the adjacent neighborhood. Crews will be working in the area through the month of May
What is the risk of fire in the greenbelt?
There has been evidence of fire use in Muldoon Park over the past several years. Most vagrant fire use and camping takes place in the dense black spruce stands of the park. A dense, native grass called bluejoint reedgrass has grown into openings where spruce bark beetle killed trees have exposed the forest floor to more direct sunlight. This grass is a primary carrier of fire throughout Southcentral Alaska. Homes adjacent to the park are exposed to fire. In removing the dead trees and mulching the woody debris, the grass will be knocked down. After treatment, AFD will seed the area with a different native grass that greens up faster and is less likely to carry fire.
What is Firewise?
The Anchorage Fire Department uses the national Firewise home protection principles to reduce the potential for wildfires to spread to homes. Firewise is everyone’s responsibility. Managing our forests for fire and resistance to bark beetles supports green, vibrant trees on both private and public lands.
What is project timeline?
This project began this week and is expected to be completed by the end of May. Tree thinning will be done by the State of Alaska Pioneer Peak Crew. These are professional firefighters working on fire mitigation projects in the Anchorage area since 2001. Slash mulching, or "mowing", will be done by a private contractor Fuels Reduction of Alaska. This crew has been on contract with the Anchorage Fire Department since 2005.
Please contact AFD Forester, Sue Rodman at 317-7236 for more information.
Condo Fire
5-13-2008
Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton 907-317-7233
The Three Alarm Condo Fire at 41st Court and Baxter Road from early Tuesday morning is still under investigation. No determination has been made on cause or origin at this time. Anchorage Fire Department Investigators are on location today sifting through the debris and working with the property owner’s insurance companies.
Stories, video and photos are available on these as well as other sites. Photos and video were supplied by the Anchorage Fire Department to some of these sources.
Condo fires leave 8 families homeless
KTUU - Anchorage,AK,USA
"Gas seeped under a couple of the porches back there and then suddenly ignited and made that noise," Anchorage Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Kempton ...
www.ktuu.com
Fire rips through 8-plex
Anchorage Daily News (subscription) - Anchorage,AK,USA
Fire Department spokesman Tom Kempton said the blaze started somewhere outside behind the three-story condo units in the 6200 block of East 41st Court,
www.adn.com
Condo fire near Baxter Road displaces residents in 8 units
Anchorage Fire Department
05.14.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week 2008
Governor Sarah Palin proclaimed the week of May 12-18, 2008 as Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week. In her proclamation, Palin states, “Public awareness of wildland fire prevention practices and preparedness measures is essential for public safety.” The Governor encourages all citizens to partake this week in individual efforts and community programs that reduce the risk and threat of wildland fire to their homes, property and communities.
Wildland fire is one of the essential natural processes that maintain healthy forest and wildlife habitat in Alaskan ecosystems. However, unwanted human-caused wildland fires occur each year in areas surrounding towns, villages and small communities where homes and businesses intermingle with undeveloped lands. The more populated and closer a community is to fire prone areas, the greater the need for individual and community involvement. Managing risk and threats from those fires is a joint responsibility of individuals and communities.
Contact Jennifer Klugh for more information on activities related to this proclamation.
2nd Alarm Called for Large Apartment Building Fire
Sunday 5-11-08
Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton 317-7233
Reports of fire and smoke from a basement laundry room and exterior entrance sent 19 units of the Anchorage Fire Department to the Alpine Apartments 5311 Mockingbird lane.
Engine 4 from the Tudor Road fire station was first on the scene and as firefighters evacuated the large apartment complex Captin Blake Linsoe called a 2nd alarm to bring added manpower for this 25 unit, 4 story building. Fire was climbing the exterior of the building near the entrance and residents were reporting heavy smoke on all floors.
Firefighters outside quickly knocked the exterior fire down and disconnected electrical power to the building before they begain removing the siding and extinguishing pockets of fire in the walls and crawl space. Firefighters made entry to the electrical and laundry room in the basement and after opening up the floors and making an access into the crawl space beneath the building, were able to extinguish the fire in that area.
A second alarm assignment of addtional manpower and equipment stood by for assistance but ultimately was not needed. Captain Linsoe said that it appeared that the fire started on the exterior, possibly from a carelessly discarded cigarrette in combustible landscaping materials and peat soil where it ignited the framing and siding materials and then moved into the walls and the crawl space.
Damage was estimated at $75,000. There were no reported injuries. The owners of the apartment building will attempt to restore power so that tenants can reoccupy their units by tonight. There will be some minor smoke damage to adjoining units.
Overnight Fire in Beauty Salon 210 E. Fireweed Lane
5-10-08
Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton 317-7233
Upstairs tenants were alerted to a fire in a daylight basement beauty salon by a loud explosion, possibly from the superheated gases of a backdraft explosion, according to Anchorage Fire Department Captain Ursa Lively. The tenants had been playing amplified musical instruments and had not been alerted to the fire by smoke detectors that had been sounding. The 911 call came in at 3:36 AM and Capt. Lively and the Engine 4 crew from the Tudor Road Fire Station were first on location. They reported heavy smoke and flames from the daylight basement beauty salon. Capt. Lively and her crew were able to quickly knock the fire down and contain it to the basement area. The cause of the fire is thought to be electrical and associated with either an overloaded socket or some electrical appliance left on. Damage is estimated at $10,000 in property and $30,000 to the structure. One upstairs tenant was displaced by the fire and the Alaska Chapter of the American Red Cross will be providing assistance to him.
Firefighters from the Anchorage Fire Department were on location in 4 minutues and 11 units eventually responded.
Structure Fire 4014 Wright Street
5-9-2008
Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton 317-7233
A passerby phoned 911 this afternoon at 4:09 PM to report heavy smoke coming from the second floor of a duplex at 4014 Wright Street, south of Providence Hospital. Anchorage Police Officer Justin Doll arrived before firefighters and made sure no one was in the unit on fire. He then made his way next door and was able to alert the neighbors in the adjoining unit that there was a fire. The female occupant had been taking a shower and was unaware of the fire danger. Officer Doll assisted the occupant and carried her infant from the building to safety.
The first arriving unit was Engine 12 who had been in the area picking up some equipment. Captain Pat Gregg set up command and began firefighting operations. Firefighters made their way to the second floor bedroom of the south unit where the fire apparently originated.Heavy fire and smoke from this bedroom and a celing that collapsed made firefighting difficult. Firefighters made a quick search of the building and were able to rescue three pets that had been inside. No other occupants were present. The fire had burst through the second floor window and into the ceiling area of both units and apparently traveled outside the window into the unit next door where Officer Doll had evacuated the residents.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Eventually twelve units of the Anchorage Fire Department were involved in controlling the fire.
Several of the pets that were rescued from the structure were revived by firefighters using specially developed oxygen masks. Animal control was summoned to the scene and transported the animals, described as a small dog and two cats.
Damage to this duplex is extensive and is estimated at approx. $100,000. The residents of the unit where the fire orignated were not at home at the time of the fire. No obvious cause of the fire has been determined and the investigation is continuing.
Kitchen Fire 8320 Burnett Drive
5-8-2008
Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton 317-7233
A kitchen fire caused by flaming grease on a stove caused $50,000 damage and sent a teenage to a local hospital with a burn to his hand. A neighbor called 911 reporting smoke coming fom 8310 Burnett Drive off of Arctic Blvd at 2:40 Pm this afternoon. First arriving units of the Anchorae Fire Department reported heavy smoke from the upstairs of this split level home. Engine 12 from the Dimond area fire station was first on location in 6 minutes and was joined by seven additional units. The fire was knocked down and called under control in 10 minutes.
A teenager was reportedly cooking food in oil on the stove and it caught fire and spread to cabinents and the kitchen. Damage was esitimated at $50,000 with the kitchen receiving the majority of the damage but the bedrooms and living space on the second level received havy smoke and heat damage in the fire. Firefighters were able to knock the fire down before it spread into the attic or out of the kitchen area.
The teenage was transported to a local emergency room with a minor burn to one hand.
The home will not be habitable until slavage work can be done and electrical and other utiliites are restored. The family did not request Red Cross assistance.
Kitchen fires and fires involving grease fires on a stove are unfortunatly a very common occurance in Anchorage. If a fire starts in a pan on the stove, turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames and if safe to do so remove the pan from the heat. Do not attempt to carry the pan out of the dwelling, serious burns from flaming grease can result. Evacute the area and call 911 and let firefighters extinguish the flames.
Girdwood Fire Department and
Anchorage Fire Department Dive Team
Respond to Possible Ice Rescue at Portage Lake
5-7-08
Contact Tom Kempton 907-317-7233
At 4:05 PM today a 911 caller on the access road to the Whittier Tunnel near Portage Glacier Lake reported sighting a dog circling a hole in the lake ice. The caller suspected that someone had fallen into the lake while walking on the ice. The caller spotted the dog from the tunnel access road, north side of Portae Glacier Lake just before the first tunnel.
Three units from the Girdwood Fire Department as well as the Dive Rescue Team from the Anchorage Fire Department were summoned to the scene. Chief Bill Chandwick from the Girdwood Fire Department described the conditions as very dangerous to rescuers with high winds, rain with open water on the lake and the evidence of a recent avalance that had carried out onto the lake ice. An Alaska State Trooper Helicopter responded and was unable to spot anyone in the water. Recent dog tracks were seen on the lake ice in the area indicated by the caller but the dog was not located either.
Because of the treacherous conditions and without a victim being located, Chief Chadwick released the fire department rescue units at 6:55 PM Chadwick did report that an abandoned vehicle was present in the Portage Glacier parking lot.
The Alaska State Troopers took over the scene.
Anchorage Fire Department
5.06.08
Western Fire Chiefs Meet in Anchorage for Strategic Planning
The Alaska Fire Chiefs Association is hosting the Western Fire Chiefs Association for their annual President’s Forum this week in Anchorage. The forum takes place on Thursday, May 8 at the Anchorage Marriott and is part of a 3 day Western Fire Chiefs meeting, May 7 - 9. Municipal Manager Mike Abbott will offer welcoming remarks.
The Western Fire Chiefs Association “supports, promotes, and develops Chief Officers in the ten states that comprise the Western Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and furthers the interests of prevention, control, and mitigation of fire, life safety, and all hazards in our region.” Fire Chiefs and State Fire Marshals from 10 Western States including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah will be in Anchorage this week for strategic planning and legislative affairs.
More information about the Alaska Fire Chief’s Association is available at www.alaskafirechiefs.org and Western Fire Chief’s Association at www.wfca.com.
Contact Alaska Fire Chief’s Association President, Deputy Chief Doug Schrage for more information at 267-4945.
Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release
5.05.08
National Arson Awareness Week … May 4th – 10th
Toylike Lighters: Playing with Fire
The theme for this year’s Arson Awareness Week is “Toylike Lighters—Playing with Fire.” The goal is to focus public attention on the dangers of these lighters in the hands of children.
Novelty lighters that resemble toys have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the United States. Many of these lighters look like animals, cars, phones, cameras, fishing lures, coins, markers, and doll accessories. One lighter is nearly identical to the popular rubber ducky bath toy—it even quacks! There are also toylike and novelty lighters that look like tools such as tape measures, drills, hammers, and paint brushes. Ironically, there are even lighters that mimic a Dalmatian donning a fire helmet, a red fire truck, or fire extinguishers.
All of our local fire officials, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association along with the Alaska State Fire Marshal as well as fire professionals from across the nation want to make our citizens aware of the problems with novelty lighters and how dangerous they are to our children and to adults. Even local merchants are taking a stand against novelty lighters. OK Lumber/ Ace Hardware manager Jordan Halden has pulled all the novelty lighters off his shelves and has stopped selling them.
For more information, please call Niki Pereira with Firestoppers at 346-2888 or visit http://www.muni.org/fire.
Anchorage Fire Department
05.03.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
At approximately 11:30 am this morning, AFD Communications received a 911 call reporting black smoke originating from a home near Aero Avenue or Corona Circle. Within four minutes, Engine 5 arrived on scene at 3503 Corona Circle to a two-story wood frame duplex with heavy black smoke coming from a second floor window. The resident of the structure was on the roof, attempting to extinguish flames through the eaves with a garden hose. Crews called a working fire and quickly made entry into the structure to extinguish the fire. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and fire damage was contained to the bedroom, with extensive smoke damage to the attic and surrounding bedroom. The fire did not spread to the adjacent unit of the duplex.
The fire originated in a bedroom and was electrical in nature; however the exact cause is currently being investigated. Damage is estimated at $30,000. No injuries were reported.
The Anchorage Fire Department reminds you to please leave firefighting to professionals. Firefighters wear head-to-toe personal protective equipment including air packs, helmets, and Nomex pants and coats. Without this protection, even a relatively small fire can cause severe personal injury including smoke inhalation and burns.
Anchorage Fire Department
05.03.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Around 11:30am this morning, AFD Communications received a 911 call from a passer by reporting a fire near Aero Avenue and Corona Circle. Within four minutes, Engine 5 arrived at 3503 Corona Circle, a two-story wood frame duplex where with black smoke emitting from an upstairs window. Crews called a working fire and quickly began to extinguish the fire located in a second-floor bedroom. The resident of the structure was on the roof attempting to extinguish the flames through the eaves.
Firefighters knocked down the fire in less than ten minutes; preventiung extenside fire damage to surrounding rooms and the attached unit next door. Smoke damage was present throughout the second floor and into the attic. Damage is estimated at $30,000. The cause of the fire is being investigated and likely electrical in origin. No injuries were reported.
Anchorage Fire Department
05.01.08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Just after 10:00 am this morning, AFD Communications received a 911 call reporting a fire in a Recreational Vehicle at 15030 Snowshoe Ln. The caller was a neighbor directly adjacent to the home. Within minutes, Engine 10 from the Rabbit Creek Station arrived on scene and discovered the fire was actually located at 3340 East 150th Ave. They called a working fire for a vehicle fire near a structure with extension to the exterior of the south side of the home due to intense radiant heat from the RV.
Firefighters made a fast attack to extinguish the fully involved RV and the fire on the exterior of the log structure. Quick action by crews prevented extension of the fire to the inside the home. The fire began when the owner was starting the vehicle. He heard backfiring and then noticed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. He attempted to extinguish it with a home fire extinguisher and was unsuccessful in his attempts.
The 1986 Class C RV was deemed a total loss and there was damage to the outside of the structure with minor smoke affecting the inside of the home. Damage is estimated at $20,000. No injuries were reported.
The Anchorage Fire Department reminds you to ensure when calling 911 you are giving correct information to dispatchers. In an emergency, seconds count.
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