Second Thanksgiving Day Fire Displaces 2 more Residents

Contact Tom Kempton 317-7233

A second Thanksgiving Day fire broke out tonight shortly before 7 PM at 5340 E 29th Ave, Apartment 61.

Callers reported fire and smoke from a second story apartment in this 20 unit complex.  Bystanders used portable dry fire extinguishers from the outside deck balcony before the firefighters arrived and were able to contain the fire to the single apartment unit.  Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down but there was some smoke damage to other units located above the apartment.  Only the residents of the fire apartment will be displaced by this incident and the Alaska Chapter of the American Red Cross was on location to provide assistance to the two residents and a dog they own.

This apartment complex was equipped with a fire alarm system that alerted the other residents to evacuate when the fire broke out.  Firefighters credit the quick response by other residents in limiting the fire damage to the single unit.  The cause of the fire is still undetermined at this time.  Firefighters said the fire origin appeared to be a computer/entertainment area with numerous electrical connections but there was also some questions about candles that were also found in the area. 

The Anchorage Fire Department responded 12 initial units to this incident and also called a second alarm assignment to make sure enough manpower was available if the fire had extended into other units in this large apartment complex. A total of 20 units responded with about 45 personnel.