2nd ALARM FIRE IN EAGLE RIVER

The Anchorage Fire Department received multiple 911 calls at approximately 9:33 PM Saturday night, advising that the house at 11627 Celestial Street in Eagle River was on fire. Callers stated that the home was emitting black smoke and flames from the garage area of the residence. 12 units were initially dispatched to the scene, with 3 more units added after additional information advising that a resident was possibly trapped in the structure.  

Engine 11 was the first on scene. Engine 11 called a working fire and pulled a hose line, assigning Truck 11 to search the structure. Within a minute of being on location, Engine 11 advised that the adjacent structure, 11617 Celestial Street, had caught fire along with the overhead power lines and connecting poles. The responding Battalion Chief ordered a 2^nd Alarm, which dispatched an additional 8 units to the scene.

All residents were reported accounted for, turning the fire to a defensive operation. Engine 14 discovered that there was an exposed gas meter venting. The gas line at 11617 Celestial Street melted, causing overflowing natural gas in the area. ENSTAR responded and shut down the gas. The fire damaged the overhead power lines, and MEA shut down power to the area.   

Command called fire under control at 10:43 PM. One individual was transported to a local hospital, and an investigator was called to the scene. The investigator believes that a possible area of origin is in one of the garages towards the back of the main residence. The initial structure at 11627 Celestial Street is a complete loss, with damages estimated around $300,000. The exposed structure at 11617 Celestial Street has approximately $25,000 worth of damage. Further investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted.

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Few surprises while deployed to the desert tend to be good ones, such as dust storms, snakes in one's room, or everyone's favorite -- the air conditioner stopped working again. But for one deployed Reservist at Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq, a particular surprise May 21 was a welcoming one.

Tech. Sgt. Ted Fussell, a structural craftsman assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was going about his daily duties of training and supervising local Iraqis on construction projects when Col. Eric Overturf, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander, stopped by and held a surprise ceremony in honor of Sergeant Fussell's recent civilian promotion to Senior Captain with the Anchorage Fire Department back home.

"I was tricked by my superintendent into thinking I was going to the fire department to look at an upcoming construction project," said Sergeant Fussell who works full time with the fire department in Anchorage. "Instead, the morning roll call started [with] Colonel Overturf [providing] a few words to the group. When he asked me to come forward, I knew something was about to happen."

Both Sergeant Fussell and Colonel Overturf are deployed from Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

Soon after his selection to the rank of Senior Captain, Sergeant Fussell was on a plane bound for Iraq and was unable to participate in a promotion ceremony with his fire team. A co-worker at Fire Station Number 3, Sergeant Fussell's assigned fire station, wanted to ensure Sergeant Fussell would not miss out on this rite of passage and sent the Senior Captain badge with a fellow Reservist also deploying to Iraq.

"The department thought it would be nice for him to get the recognition he deserved ... if Ted had something with him to remind him of us, the hard work he does here and what he can look forward to when he comes back," said Mr. Glen Williams, a 27-year-veteran with the Anchorage Fire Department who has worked with Sergeant Fussell for three years. "Ted is great. He doesn't draw attention to himself or toot his own horn. He is humble and hard working." Mr. Williams said Sergeant Fussell's crew, his subordinates and supervisors all think very highly him.

Reservists deployed with Sergeant Fussell echo Mr. Williams' sentiments.

"Sergeant Fussell is always [helpful] and never complains. He's the kind of guy who recognizes issues and resolves them without ever looking for the credit," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Zellar, superintendent for the 506th ECES who is also deployed from the 477th FG. "It was great to see this kind of thing happen over here. Ted is a courageous firefighter and selfless Airman. It was inspiring to see the roles blend in this place."

Colonel Overturf said he was happy to present the badge to such a deserving Airman because it underscores the great relationship Arctic Reservists share with their civilian employers.

"My favorite part of being a commander is recognizing outstanding Citizen Airmen like Sergeant Fussell," Colonel Overturf said. "Ted sets the standard for successfully balancing his civilian job, family and military service."

After the ceremony, Sergeant Fussell said he was extremely fortunate to be a part of not one, but two incredibly supportive organizations. He also said he was appreciative his co-worker at the fire department informed the unit about the promotion tradition.

"Captain Williams is an exemplary fireman who consistently puts the needs of his crew, his peers, and the public before his own. I [hold him] in the highest regard," Sergeant Fussell said. "Ensuring that I received a badge ceremony halfway around the world at a Forward Operating Base, in accordance with fire service tradition, is just one example of how Captain Williams goes the extra mile.

"It may not [seem] like a big deal to [a non-firefighter], but to anyone involved in the fire service, it is. A badge ceremony is a long standing tradition in the fire service," he said. "Badge ceremonies take place after a fireman has completed probation and each time they promote up through the ranks."

According to Mr. Williams, Sergeant Fussell is one of the youngest Captains to be promoted to Senior Captain. He has been with the fire department for almost 12 years.

"A Senior Captain is responsible for facilities, equipment and apparatus management, along with all other daily Captain responsibilities," he said. "In order to be promoted, you have to have two years time in rank as a Captain and take a promotional exam."

Additionally, candidates are judged, scored and interviewed by their peers in a dozen areas such as honesty, written communication and job performance. The third part of the test is a Chiefs' oral interview. The rank structure within the fire department is Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Senior Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief and Chief.

Upon his return from Iraq, Sergeant Fussell will lead Fire Station Number 3, which has a 100-foot ladder truck, an engine company (fire engine) and a Medical Intensive Care Unit. It also houses the Urban Search and Rescue Team. He will also continue to serve as a structural craftsman in the 477th FG.

Firefighters Beat Penland Park Grass Fire

Anchorage Fire Department firefighters responded to a report of a minor grass fire at 7:00 p.m. initially reported by staff at the nearby Anchorage Daily News building.  The caller told AFD Dispatchers they observed smoke in the grass area on the south side of the trailer park. 

Engine 3 from the Airport Heights station was dispatched and upon arrival had to walk into the area due to limited access.  The smoke had banked down some and it took a couple minutes to locate the actual area of the blaze from the ground.  The fire crew found and area of dry grass approximately 20’ x 3’ burning on a small embankment near a fenceline, which was also bordered by a trail.  As they began working to extinguish the blaze a sudden gust of wind created a vacuum affect and sucked the flames into an overflow parking area for cars.  The advancing fire damaged three vehicles parked nearby and also created a flood of 911 calls as residents became concerned for their homes.  An additional six fire apparatus were dispatched to assist in the fire suppression, although four units were cancelled enroute.

The fire was brought under control in about 12 minutes after Engine 3’s arrival.  No estimates were available for the vehicles that were damaged by the fire.  The fire burned an area approximately 20’ x 40’ consisting of mostly light grass fuels.  The cause of the blaze is undetermined.

The fire department is encouraging area residents to be mindful of the extreme dry conditions.  The unusually dry spring has really dried out grass and brushy areas, and the fire danger remains very high until vegetation begins to green up.  Anchorage residents and those in surrounding communities are asked to verify updates on the Anchorage Fire Department website www.muni.org/fire  for restrictions, updates, and information on permits.  Firefighters have responded to numerous brush and grass fires recently and are asking area residents to be alert while motoring around the community and in their neighborhoods.

Sand Lake Blaze Damages Home

Anchorage Fire Department Emergency Dispatchers received a call just before 2 a.m. reporting a fire at a home on Tyre Dr.  The first call was received at 1:51 a.m. and 11 fire department apparatus were dispatched less than one minute later. 

Engine 7 from the Jewel Lake station arrived six minutes later and reported the single family home at 7436 Tyre Dr. to be 50% involved.  Initial efforts by fire crews were concentrated on the exposure to adjacent homes as the intense heat and flames had already begun to melt siding.  As additional fire crews arrived aerial operations were used to knock down the fire which had extended into the upper floor and roof area.  AWWU had to increase water pressure in the area to assist in the fire operations.  Once the bulk of the fire was suppressed fire crews entered the structure and brought the fire under control 40 minutes after it was reported.

The family was home at the time of the fire and was awaken by “crackling sounds” as the fire grew in intensity.  It was not reported if smoke alarms assisted in alerting the family.  All members were able to safely escape without injury, although a family pet was later found deceased by firefighters during overhaul operations.  The Red Cross was summoned to assist the family with personal needs.  Chugach Electric crews also had to respond as fire crews were not able to verify if the utility was properly secured.  AWWU crews also had to respond to shut of the water supply from the street into the home.  A Fire Investigator responded to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.  Damage is estimated at $350K or more, and the home is uninhabitable.  The family will be staying with friends or family in the area.