4 Plex Fire 2-21-207

7411 Woburn Circle

Contact Tom Kempton 907-317-7233

A 911 caller reported  fire in a 4-plex at 7411 Woburn Circle off of Northwood Drive between Strawberry and Raspberry Drive in South Anchorage this afternoon at 5:22 PM.  The first engine on location was from the Sand Lake fire station and they were there within 3 minutes.  The engine company crew reported fire coming from the top floor of this 2 story apartment building.  The fire apparently originated in the wall behind frozen pipes where a plumber had been using a torch. The fire extended into the overhead attic and wall areas that adjoin two of the units. Firefighters had to pull ceilings in two of the units to extinguish fire in the insulation of the attic space. Firefighters we able to contain the majority of the damage to the 2 units. At this time if the owners are able to isolate the power and get the heat back on the two remaining units can be reoccupied tonight.  Two families have been displaced and the American Red Cross was summoned to provide housing and other assistance.

The  fire damage to the structure and two of the units was extensive and the amount of fire loss was estimated at approx. $80,000.

Twelve units of the fire department responded with units coming from as far away as the Spenard, Bayshore and Tudor Road Fire stations.

With the cold temperatures frozen pipes can occur. The Anchorage Fire Department recommends using only licensed and bonded contractors to thaw frozen pipes.  Open flame used to thaw pipes can ignite building framing and insulation and is not recommended to thaw frozen pipes.  If open flame is necessary to solder or otherwise repair plumbing then a fire extinguisher should always be readily available.  Fire can break out long after the original work if insulation smolders in walls and behind plumbing and appliances.