Lower Hillside Home Damaged by Fire

Fifteen units from the Anchorage Fire Department were dispatched at 12:40 a.m. this morning, June 13, 2007 for reported structure fire at 5000 O’Malley Road.  AFD Dispatchers answered the 911 call from the homeowner who had just returned home and found smoke in the residence.

The first arriving units from the O’Malley and Huffman Fire Stations reported smoke showing from a two story single family dwelling and initiated a fast attack.  Interior crews found the residence charged with smoke and discovered fire burning in the attached garage, and called a working fire.  Truck company crews from the Homer and 80^th Fire Station assisted with forcing the garage bay door open for easier access to the fire.  Water operations were established with three Tenders from the Hillside and Huffman stations, and additional arriving crews assisted with suppression efforts and checking for fire extension. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. 

The fire damage was contained to the garage area, and the home sustained smoke damage resulting from an entry door that was propped open leading into the living area.  Fire officials believe the fire was likely caused by a battery charger left on with combustible materials in close proximity.  The fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to the structure and contents.  There were no fire ground injuries or other loss of life.

Fire Department Officials want to remind homeowners that propping garage doors open leading into living areas is dangerous for several reasons; garage entry doors are required by building code to be fire rated which slows the fire from accessing these areas, garages often contain combustible materials which increases the likely hood of rapid fire growth, and many different types of accelerants are often stored in garages which not only fuel a fire but fumes can wafer into living areas even if no fire is burning.  Lastly, officials remind residents that battery charging should always be done in well ventilated areas and combustible materials should be placed at safe distances from the charger.