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Articles from
September 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Collins 317-9929
Early Morning Structure Fire at Pepper Mill Restaurant
At approximately 6:30 a.m. this morning, Anchorage Fire Department Dispatchers answered a 911 call from inside the Pepper Mill restaurant reporting the smell of smoke coming from the ceiling of the kitchen area. This multi-level commercial structure is located at 4101 Credit Union Drive.
Within four minutes, the first arriving apparatus from Stations 4 and 5 arrived on scene and did not immediately report seeing smoke or fire. Upon further investigation from the roof, Truck 5 noticed smoke emitting from the ventilation system and began searching for an exact area of origin. Once their investigation began, it became clear to firefighters that the area of origin was in a wall on the west side of the structure and not in the HVAC system. Firefighters made entry to the area of origin from both the interior and exterior of the wall and were able to quickly extinguish the smoldering fire before it spread any further into the wall or attic space. It was determined by crews on scene that the cause of the fire was a stove left turned on for many hours that eventually heated the wall to its ignition point. A total of 10 units responded to the fire and no injuries were reported.
For immediate release
September 24, 2009
Contact Jennifer Collins 317-9929
Firefighter Competition this Saturday on the Anchorage Park Strip
On Saturday, September 26 on the west end of the Anchorage Park Strip, five teams of firefighters from across Alaska will test their skills in a competition. The firefighter competition will begin at noon. Events will include the ladder raise, fire extinguisher use, the self-contained breathing apparatus, and the “make and break,” which involves connecting and removing fire hose from a hydrant. There will also be one surprise fun event. This event is open to the public and there will be fire trucks on display. Awards will be distributed immediately following the competition.
This event is held every year as part of the annual Alaska State Firefighters Association and the Alaska Fire Chief’s Association Conference. The 2009 conference theme of “Unity through Training” exemplifies the goal of bringing all firefighters, volunteer or career, to a common level of service to the Alaskan communities through shared training experiences. The Anchorage Fire Department hosted this year’s conference at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.
AFSA/ AFCA Closing Ceremonies/ Banquet
Hosted by John Carpenter
Saturday, September 26th
Dena'ina Center 3rd floor Ballroom
5:30 Reception
7:00 Program Begins
Tickets are $30 and available at the door or the conference registration desk
The Program will include:
Photo and video presentation of the events from the week
Highlights from the Firefighter Competition on Saturday
Annual State Fire Service Awards presented by Jodie Hettrick and David Tyler from the Alaska State Fire Marshall's Office
Music and Dancing
This event is open to the public.
Four Families Displaced by Fire in Four Plex
A few minutes before 2 a.m. this morning Anchorage Fire Department Dispatchers answered several 911 calls reporting a fire in a four plex located at 7316 E 21st Ave. Callers on location reported smoke and fire coming from and upstairs unit.
At 1:53 a.m. twelve units were dispatched to the Muldoon area complex and the first arriving engine from Station 6 at Patterson and Debarr reported heavy smoke and fire through the roof. A fast attack was initiated and as additional units arrived a water supply was established and suppression efforts continued. Despite the intense efforts of the interior crews the fire continued to intensify and exploding into a flashover affect. This created an environment too dangerous for interior crews to continue fighting the blaze from inside the structure and all fire crews were ordered out of the building and into defensive operations. Another 15 minutes passed before firefighters were able to re-enter the structure to continue battling the blaze. The fire was called under control 40 minutes after first units arrived.
A District Chief and Fire Investigator also responded to the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but it believed to have started in one of the upstairs units. The two upper units of the four plex were destroyed by the fire and the lower units were extensively damaged by heat, water and smoke. All told four families were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. Enstar Gas Co. officials had to respond to secure the gas line into the structure due to extensive fire damage at the meter. Chugach Electric also responded to the scene. There were no fire ground injuries, although 2 ferrets were found dead in one of the fire units. Damage estimates will likely exceed $250 thousand dollars. Just 17 hours earlier the first arriving engine company from Station 6 was not in service due to the rolling closures.
Fire Damages Mobile Home
Anchorage Firefighters responded to a mobile home fire early this morning after a resident was awakened by smoke pouring into the bedroom. Fire Department Dispatchers answered a 911 call at 1:45 a.m. today reporting the fire. Eleven apparatus were dispatched to the mobile home located at the Dimond Estates Trailer Park, 1200 W. Dimond Blvd.
Engine 7 from the Jewel Lake Fire Station arrived within five minutes and reported light smoke showing from the single wide mobile home. All occupants had safely escaped the home as firefighters initiated a fast attack. Fire crews found most of the blaze confined to a bedroom area and the area beneath the bedroom. The minor fire was brought under control in less than ten minutes.
As firefighters were conducting overhaul operations they discovered the blaze had begun outside and under the trailer. The fire began due to excessive electrical overload supporting a marijuana grow operation. One resident of the home was transported to an area hospital due to smoke inhalation. There were no pet casualties and no fire ground injuries. Damage is estimated at $25,000 and Red Cross assistance was not requested.
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