Firefighters Busy Overnight

Anchorage Firefighters were kept busy overnight responding to two structure fires and several car fires.  While there was no correlation between the structure fires, the vehicle fires were all suspicious in nature.

The first fire was reported just after 8:00 p.m. on Chain of Rock Street in Eagle River.  The resident of a single family two story dwelling called 911 and reported his garage on fire.  Eleven units from the Anchorage Fire Department were dispatched moments later.  First arriving units from Station 11 in Eagle River reported a working fire with flames visible from the garage on their arrival.

As units continued from Anchorage Stations to assist, the Eagle River units initiated a fast attack.  They were successful in stopping the fire from spreading to the attached living area.  The garage contained live ammunition that reportedly was heard exploding before fire units arrived.  The fire was brought under control in less than 20 minutes; the garage and contents are considered a total loss with damage estimated at $50,000.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no injuries were reported.  No assistance from Red Cross was needed.

The second structure fire occurred just minutes before 2:30 a.m. this morning on Cutty Sark Street, west of the Jewel Lake and Raspberry Road intersection.  Fire Dispatchers received a couple 911 calls reporting a fire in the 6 plex building.  Twelve units were dispatched and the first arriving engine company from the Jewel Lake Fire Station reported a working fire with flames and smoke showing. 

A fast attack was initiated by the first two engine companies as the fire spread to two units of the building.  As they battled the flames, additional arriving units ensured that all occupants had safely escaped the adjoining units.  This fire was called under control in about 30 minutes.  A cat was rescued from one of the fire units and the Red Cross was summoned to provide housing needs for two displaced residents.  The cause of the fire was determined to be improperly disposed smoking materials on a wood deck.  Fire damages were estimated to be $100,000 and no injuries were reported.

Since midnight there have been three vehicle fires, all with suspicious circumstances.  The Anchorage Police Department continues to investigate these in coordination with fire department to develop potential leads.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 561-STOP.