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| For more information about anything presented in these media releases, please contact AFD Public Affairs: | | Phone: 267-4999 | | |
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Articles from
July 2008
Kitchen Fire Leaves 4 Homeless
Monday evening just before 9:30 p.m. Anchorage Fire Department Dispatchers answered two 911 calls reporting smoke coming from a four-plex on Pine St. just north of the Russian Jack sports fields. Eleven units were assigned and dispatched moments later.
Engine 3 from the Airport Heights Station arrived in less than four minutes and reported light smoke showing from the structure located at 501 Pine St. Bystanders quickly directed firefighters to Unit #2 where residents had discharged three fire extinguishers to knock down the fire. Engine 3 crew was able to fully extinguish the fire using their on-board water supply within 4 minutes. The Truck Company and Medics from Station 3 assisted with overhaul operations and all other units were placed in service.
Fire Officials determined the blaze was caused by unattended cooking. One of the occupants had to go on an errand while the other occupants were outside. The fire damage was contained to the one unit and loss was estimated at $7,500 to the structure and $5,000 in contents. The 2 adults and 2 children displaced by the fire made temporary housing arrangements with friends or family; Red Cross was not summoned.
The Anchorage Fire Department strongly cautions residents attempting to extinguish fires inside or outside their homes. Chemical compositions in many materials used in building construction and items within the home are lethal when burning and the smoke is inhaled – even in small amounts. Additionally, fires can double in size every 60 seconds quickly trapping well intentioned persons inside. Fires produce super-heated gases which combined with the smoke and flames can overcome an unequipped person within mere seconds. Closing doors and windows is the safest action residents can take as this reduces oxygen needed for the fire to grow.
Midtown Trailer Fire
Early Monday evening a Midtown trailer was heavily damaged by fire in Manoog’s Isle Trailer Park near the 5700 block of Lake Otis Pkwy. Anchorage Fire Department Dispatchers received the first 911 call shortly after 6:15 p.m. indicating the trailer at 5501 S. Tahiti Loop was on fire. Moments later eleven fire department units were dispatched.
Engine 4 housed at the Tudor and MacInnes arrived on scene within four minutes and reported heavy smoke showing, calling a Working Fire on a approximately 15’ x 40’ single wide trailer. Engine 4 initiated a fast attack as there were reports of two occupants possibly still inside the trailer. Upon entering the trailer they encountered heavy fire in the kitchen and front living areas quickly bringing the flames under control. Additional fire units assisted with ventilation and overhaul operations as they arrived. During the primary search for victims firefighters found three dogs which had been overcome by smoke. The dogs were quickly moved to fresh air and administered oxygen therapy using a mask designed for pets. They were quickly taken to the nearby Pet Emergency Center located at Lake Otis and Dowling for further treatment, and their status is unknown. Later during overhaul operations a deceased cat was found in the trailer. Anchorage Animal Control officials were summoned and assisted.
Fire Investigators were summoned and responded to the scene. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. The fire caused heavy damage to the kitchen and living areas estimated at $20K. It’s unclear where the occupants of the trailer were at the time of the fire. Red Cross assistance was not requested, and Chugach Electric and Enstar Gas officials assisted with restoring and securing utilities to other trailers. The fire scene was turned over to the Anchorage Police Department.
Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release 7/19/08
Contact Jennifer Klugh at 317-9929
At about 3:15 pm this afternoon, several neighbors of 7527 Island Drive called 911 to report smoke coming from both the first and second floor windows of the two story single family home. Engine 6 was on scene within three minutes and confirmed the reports of smoke and made a fast attack along with next arriving Engine 12. Twelve apparatus total were dispatched to this fire. Due to quick arrival of the engines, the fire was under control by 3:30 pm. The fire began outside of the home and quickly spread into the kitchen and dining room, resulting in heavy fire and water damage to the first floor of the home. The second floor of the home sustained heavy smoke damage.
None of the home’s residents were present at the time of the fire and no human injuries were reported. Two dogs were rescued by a neighbor and one dog perished in the fire. Red Cross assisted three of the residents with clothing and lodging. The fire originated on an exterior deck and was likely started from improperly extinguished smoking materials. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release
July 15, 2008
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Fire Intentionally Set in Room at Motel 6
At 11:00 am this morning, AFD Communications received several 911 calls reporting heavy smoke emitting from a second story room at the Motel 6 at 5000 A Street. First-in Engine 4 confirmed the reports of smoke and made their way to the second floor as Engine 5 established a water supply. Additional crews from Station 12 searched the hotel to ensure all occupants had evacuated. Forceable entry tools were needed to access the locked hotel room. One charged hose line was used to douse any remaining flames since the automatic sprinkler system almost completely extinguished the fire. Pull stations for the fire alarm system were activated and aided in the evacuation of all hotel occupants. No injuries were reported.
Fire and smoke damage was limited to the hotel room of origin. Water damage resulted from sprinklers within the room and extended to the hallway directly outside and lobby on the first floor. Damage is estimated at approximately $30,000.
Due to the conditions in the hotel room, fire crews called an AFD investigator to determine a cause. The investigator determined the fire was intentionally set and immediately reported information on the person renting the room to the Anchorage Police Department. Shortly after the suspect was reported, he turned himself in at a local restaurant and police made an arrest.
Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release
July 15, 2008
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Peter's Sushi Spot Fire Investigation
Investigators from the Anchorage Fire Department and the Alaska State Fire Marshall's office are currently investigating a fire that occurred at Peter's Sushi Spot on Saturday, July 12.
The fire was called in by several people who drove by the restaurant at 5:30 am on Saturday. When fire crews arrived, the structure was heavily involved and they called for a second alarm. Initially, crews entered the structure to fight the fire, however due to heavy flames they were called out by the incident commander for their own safety. The fire was fought defensively from the outside for most of the day to extinguish the flames. Due to a tar roof and thick attic insulation, extinguishment of the stubborn flames lasted into the afternoon. There were no injuries reported and there were no occupants inside at the time the fire was reported.
Please check back for updates.
Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release
July 15, 2008
Contact: Bridget Bushue 317-7239
Anchorage Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Vignola recently completed Homeland Security training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), in Anniston, Alabama. The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and is the only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training facility in the nation.
Chief Vignola attended a 3 day scenario based WMD “All-Hazards Incident Command” course as well as a 2 day hands on training course. This CDP training is the only program in the nation featuring true toxic environments, using chemical agents. First responders were represented from almost all of the 50 states and 3 responders from US Territories attended the courses.
This exceptional training will provide the Anchorage community with personnel trained using the most current nationally recognized knowledge and expertise to combat a potential chemical weapon event.
Congratulations to Chief Vignola for his dedication and completion of this highly specialized training.
Anchorage Fire Department Press Release
July 10, 2008
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929
Brush Fire in Bicentennial Park
At approximately 12:15 this afternoon, a private aircraft called in an unattended campfire in a heavily forested area of Bicentennial Park. The fire was spotted approximately 1/2 mile from the intersection of Tudor and Elmore roads. Firefighters from Station 6, 12, and 14 along with command staff were immediately dispatched to several locations on the perimeter of the park. Firefighters hiked in towards the fire with hand tools – approximately ¼ mile within Bicentennial Park from the nearest parking area. Due to the densely forested area, lack of trails, and proximity to parking areas, it took fire crews 10 minutes to reach the fire on foot. When crews arrived at the fire they found a 0.10 acre fire burning in the duff layer (top layer of ground litter). The fire was slowly creeping and smoldering towards the South Fork of Campbell Creek. No homes were threatened.
While AFD crews were hiking to the fire, the incident commander contacted the Division of Forestry (DOF) helicopter for assistance with aerial extinguishment and size-up. The helicopter made 3 bucket drops of 240 gallons each while AFD firefighters continued to work on building fire line with hand tools. When the DOF helicopter finished 3 bucket drops, AFD crews began mop-up of the area. The fire was contained at 1:50 pm.
The exact cause of the fire was not determined; however it was likely human caused and located in what appeared to be a homeless camp or recreation area.
Press Release: 4th of July fire safety
July 2, 2008
Contact Tom Kempton at 317-7233
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The Anchorage Fire Department would like to remind you that all fireworks are illegal within the Municipality Of Anchorage. With fire season already in full swing, residents and visitors are reminded that the potential for wildfire remains throughout most of the state.
Penalties for illegal use of fireworks include $25 to $500 fines or imprisonment for 10 days to 6 months. The Anchorage Police Department aggressively enforces regulations prohibiting the use of fireworks. Additionally, civil actions for the recovery of damage to the resources destroyed, including fire suppression costs, will be pursued. Even a small fire may cost tens of thousands of dollars to suppress. Anyone who starts a wildfire is liable for its consequences.
Please have a safe and happy holiday by enjoying the commercial fireworks displays planned throughout Alaskan communities. Enjoy the out-of-doors over the holiday but play it safe!
A REMINDER FROM THE INTERAGENCIES:
Interagency fire officials would like to remind you to be especially cautious with fire as you celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Historically, most wildland fires occurring over the Independence Day holiday have been started by people pursuing recreational activities.
So far this year, about 90% of the wildland fires reported to the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center have been caused by people. And although the fire season in Alaska has not been severe this year, wildland fuels such as grass, brush and trees can dry out quickly even when it the weather seems mild. If ignited, the dry fuels can quickly grow into large wildfires which put people, homes and other resources at risk.
The Alaska Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (which represents Federal, State and Native landowners in Alaska) asks the public to help prevent wildfires from getting started by ensuring that campfires are completely extinguished after use, and that burn permit restrictions are adhered to.
Please have a safe, happy holiday and enjoy your time outdoors.
To report a wildland fire, call 911 or 1-800-237-3633. For current Alaska wildland fire information visit the http://fire.ak.blm.gov web site. For burn permits in the Municipality Of Anchorage, visit the www.muni.org/fire.
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Anchorage Fire Department
For more information contact
Battalion Chief, Tom Kempton 317-7233
Hillside Garage Fire
7-1-2008
Firefighters responded the the upper reaches of the Anchorage Hillside early this morning when a resident called 911 reporting smoke in the area. The first call was received from a homeowner at 6120 Romania, off of the end of Goldenview Drive.
An engine from Fire Station 10 at the top of Rabbit Creek road was dispatched to the area and eventually an alarm company detector directed responding units to 6001 Bulgaria. The firefighters discovered a garage fire at this location and after a long hose lay to reach the structure they were able to extinguish the fire before the main house structure caught on fire. Water was supplied from tenders that responded to this isolated area that does not have fire hydrants.
No one was at home at the time of this fire. A damage amount is not available as yet and the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.
Bear Spray Discharge Sets Off Hazardous Materials Response
A caustic odor set off an evacuation of the Residence Inn, 1025 E 35th, near the area of the British Petroleum Building and the Energy Center in Midtown.
Guests had reported a caustic, burning odor in the hallway on the second floor and the management had evacuated the building. At approx. 11:30 AM arriving firefighters donned airmasks to enter the building when they also detected the odor. After an hour long search of the building firefighters located an empty bear spray container on a janitorial cart.
The buidling was ventilated and guests were able to reoccupy the facility. Several residents and employees were examined by paramedics but did not require assistance.
No one admitted discharging the bear spray in the hotel.
Bear Mauling Sends One to Hospital
6/29/08
Contact Cleo Hill @ 317-8684 for more information
At approximately 0140 hours this morning, Anchorage Fire and EMS responded to the Campbell Airstrip Road, Bicentennial Park area for a bicycle racer who had been attacked by a bear.
Anchorage Police received a 911 call from the injured rider who was unable to speak into the phone; APD could only hear heavy breathing. The victim managed to say the word “bear” when the phone connection was lost. APD communications center began making calls the cell phone in hopes that someone would answer and provide a location.
Other bike racers riding the same trail heard the cell phone ringing, stopped to investigate and found the victim. They were able to call 911 and provide a location of Rover’s Run Trail; they stayed with the victim until rescue units arrived.
AFD responded with 5 units and transported the victim to a local hospital.
Responders stated they were amazed that the victim was able to get to her cell phone to call for help and expressed admiration for the racers who stayed with the victim, in the dark, knowing a bear was close.
For more on the story, visit adn.com
Grizzly attacks teen bicycle race in Bicentennial Park
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