Fire Damages Spenard 8 Plex

At 2:30 a.m. this morning Anchorage Fire Department units responded to a fire reported at 3904 Northwood Dr. in Spenard.  A person residing in a 3^rd floor unit of the 8 Plex building said they could hear the fire burning in the lower section.  Eleven fire department units were dispatched to the blaze.

Fire companies from the Spenard Station, which was located literally just down the street arrived within minutes and reported fire on the exterior of the building and entering into a hallway.  Residents were evacuating as fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the blaze.  The fire was called under control in less than 10 minutes.

All occupants safely evacuated the housing complex without injury, and there were no fire ground casualties.  Fire officials said the blaze appears to have started near the laundry room on the exterior of the structure and spread up the side causing an estimated $60K - $80K in damage.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 Enstar Gas Company was called to assist in returning service to the building, although it appears heat to the building will be off until repairs can be made.  Chugach Electric Co. also responded.  American Red Cross officials were summoned and responded to assist 2 or 3 families temporarily displaced.  Additional families may require assistance depending on how quickly the heat can be restored to the building.  Property management staff were contacted and on scene to assist residents and fire officials.