Anchorage Fire Department

Press Release

3-14-2007

Contact Tom Kempton 267-4999

 

Early Morning Fire on Government Hill

 

 

The initial call came in at 5:47 AM for smoke in the hallway of the large apartment complex at 1071 Hollywood Drive on Government Hill in North Anchorage. These large apartment buildings date back to the 1940”s. Disastrous fires in the past in these multi-unit apartments have resulted in numerous tenants being displaced.  The quick action of the fire department in containing this fire to the apartment of origin is credited in limiting damage to the other apartments.  Other tenants were able to re-enter their units within about an hour of the initial call for smoke and flames from this fire.  The occupants of the fire unit were displaced. Red Cross and the owner of the apartment building, Alaska Neighborhood Housing Service are making arrangements for the residents. 

 

Here is the narrative from the Captain of Engine One from Fire Station One in downtown Anchorage who made the initial attack and brought the fire under control.

 

 

Upon arrival E1 saw smoke and fire coming from 2 windows on the third floor on both the A and C sides of the building. Occupants of the building were evacuating into the parking lot and a few were in the downstairs hallway. The top of the stairwell straight up from the parking lot entrance door was filled with smoke with some rolling flames.

 

E1 requested the next in engine to establish a water supply and for the first in truck to provide ventilation and perform a search. E1 then established Hollywood command. E1 pulled 100' of 3'' working line into the building along with the wye load and deployed the hose in the hallway.

 

Upon seeing T1, E1 began fire attack in the living room of the apartment. E1 then proceeded to knock down the fire in the bathroom. After searching the apartment E1 had T3 inform command that the fire was under control.

 

E1 interviewed both occupants of the unit and both occupants said that the fire started in the bathroom from a unattended candle. The occupant stated, "My roommate woke me up and as I left the unit I saw fire in the bathroom." The other resident stated, "I woke up to the smell of smoke and I went to the bathroom and opened the door”. "Smoke poured out of the bathroom setting off the fire alarm; I woke my roommate and left the apartment”.

 

 E1 assisted T1 with overhaul by removing both couches and the living room carpet to the outside of the building. E1 was then placed in-service. E1 returned to the scene at approximately 0830 for a post fire check. Maintenance was in the unit to began to repair the unit.

 

Unattended candles are a common source of residential fires in Anchorage. The Fire Department recommends that candles always be placed in a non-combustible holder to contain the melted wax and prevent fires.  Make sure that they are always extinguished when unattended and that they are placed well away from any nearby furnishings or objects that make catch fire.   Smoke detectors give residents’ early warning of smoke and fire in time to escape.  If you don’t have a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector GET ONE!.