Anchorage Fire Department
Press Release 3/9/08
Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929

Eastside Fire Results in Rescues; Two Residents Sent to Hospital

Shortly before 3:00 PM today, 18 units of the Anchorage Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 6112 Prosperity Drive in East Anchorage.  Several calls were made to 911, including one from a resident who was trapped on the third floor of the home. First arriving units from Station 6 reported light smoke showing from the second floor of the three story structure.  Crews from Engine 14 and Truck 3 entered the home and began to extinguish the fire on the second floor and quickly proceeded to the third floor where they located the trapped occupant and carried her to safety outside.  While extinguishing the fire and continuing the search on the second floor, crews from Engine 3 discovered another occupant who was not able to exit and carried him to safety.  Paramedics from Stations 3 and 6 treated and then transported the two patients to the hospital where they are undergoing treatment for smoke inhalation.  Three additional family members reside in the structure and were not home at the time of the fire.  The Alaska Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing assistance to the five displaced family members.  

The fire originated in the kitchen, located on the second floor.  The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Firefighters reported smoke detectors were sounding on the third floor of the home only.  Residents are reminded that smoke detectors give you and your family time to escape in the earliest stages of a fire when there still is time to evacuate safely.  Please check your smoke detectors for proper working operation and change the batteries at least annually.