Update: Occupants escape safely from house fire

A two-story home in the 5600 block of North Douglas Highway caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames on Thursday, but the home’s two occupants were able to escape safely, authorities said.

There were no injuries when Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighters arrived on scene at about 10:45 a.m., though the occupants were distraught, said CCFR Fire Marshal Dan Jager.

“They were already out when we got here,” Jager told the Empire on scene, adding, “They’re OK, obviously distraught, pretty traumatic event, so the Red Cross is here taking care of whatever needs they have.”

The blaze was extinguished as of 3 p.m. Thursday. Jager said it was not immediately clear what caused the blaze and that CCFR will investigate the source of the fire.

There is also heavy smoke damage. The house is insured, Jager said.

Red Cross was on scene, helping and attending to the home’s occupants. The owners of the house, Bob and Joyce Lupro, said they have a second house in Gustavus where they will be able to stay.

Bob Lupro said he doesn’t know how the fire started and speculated that it might have been electrical.

This is the second major tragedy for the family in two days. A relative, Brian Earl Lupro, died by suicide Tuesday.

The area was closed to vehicle traffic earlier, however as of 3 p.m. Thursday lanes were open again to two-way traffic.

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• Contact reporter Mollie Barnes at mbarnes@juneauempire.com.

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