CCFR crews work to extinguish a house fire in the 2200 block of Radcliffe Road early Monday morning. All occupants of the home were able to escape safely without injury. (Courtesy Photo / CCFR)

CCFR crews work to extinguish a house fire in the 2200 block of Radcliffe Road early Monday morning. All occupants of the home were able to escape safely without injury. (Courtesy Photo / CCFR)

Recent fires underscore importance of smoke detectors, fire marshal says

Residences safely evacuated in two separate blazes.

A pair of residential fires that badly damaged homes and occurred within days of each other serve as a reminder for residents to check their smoke detectors, said Fire Marshal Dan Jager.

While there were no major injuries reported in either a Saturday fire on Pederson Street or a Monday morning blaze on Radcliffe Road, Jager said as Alaska enters the colder months — when indoor fires and use of heaters becomes more common — it’s especially important for people to be mindful of fire risk.

“I think statewide we’re looking at close to 20 fire fatalities, so we’re getting into the cold months of the year where for Alaska traditionally we’ll see more fire deaths, unfortunately,” Jager said. “Anytime we can get the message out about smoke alarms, it’s always a help just to keep reiterating that early detection aspect.”

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to a house fire in the 2200 block of Radcliffe Road. Jager said that all occupants were able to safely evacuate the home after being alerted by a basement smoke detector. A husband and wife along with their three children were renting the space as a short-term rental, according to Jager, who said the fire was electrical in nature and occurred as a result of some kind of failure at the main panel box.

“From there it traveled vertically to the gable end of the roof and gained access into the attic space and it spread throughout the attic,” Jager said. “The smoke alarm was going off in the basement area, so the husband went down to try and find out what that noise was, realized it was a smoke alarm and there was no obvious signs of fire to him, so he went back upstairs to see what might be going on up there, and around that time, a passerby from the neighborhood that was walking their dog started banging on the door to inform them that the house was on fire. From there, the family gathered up the stuff that they could, jackets for the kids and things of that nature, and got outside safely.”

Jager said that while the extent of the damage has yet to be determined, the home suffered a significant amount of water damage while the fire was being extinguished. Jager added that he believes the residence is insured but has not yet been able to make contact with the owner to confirm that detail. The occupants, however, did have renter’s insurance, so all of their personal items are expected to be covered, Jager said.

“We’re just really glad to hear that the smoke alarm went off and that someone out in the neighborhood saw it and alerted them even further,” Jager said. “The fire was on the outside of the house, so who knows how long it would have been before they would have known to go outside and look, otherwise it could have just been a faulty detector or something, but to actually see it on the outside and working its way in, it’s just good to have neighbors as well as working smoke alarms.”

On Saturday shortly before 5:30 p.m. CCFR responded to the 2500 block of Pederson Street for a residential structure fire. Fire personnel found a three-story residence sustaining heavy fire upon arrival. According to Jager, initial fire suppression tactics were adjusted after crews determined the structure integrity was possibly compromised, causing a safety concern.

After nearly five hours, the fire was extinguished. Origin and cause investigation began while suppression efforts were being made.

All occupants were safely evacuated, however, one resident suffered a laceration to their hand and was treated on site. It was also reported that two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were released on site as well. Assistant Chief Travis Mead was the commanding officer during the fire and said that everyone was able to walk away after being evaluated.

“They were assessed on scene and given some minor first aid for the wound, but there wasn’t need for any further care beyond that,” Mead said.

The structure was divided into two separate rental units, according to Mead. He said the building construction made extinguishing the fire extremely difficult as there were multiple void spaces and unique architecture.

The structure is a total loss as it sustained fire, smoke and water damage throughout, according to Mead, however tenants were able to salvage antiques and heirlooms. The investigation has determined that the fire started on the second floor where heavy damage occurred. The actual cause is still undetermined and the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s just a good reminder that as we’re getting into winter season people are definitely using more heating appliances and using wood stoves, so it’s just a good reminder to check that their batteries in smoke detectors are changed out and make sure that if you’re going to use a heating device to keep the area clear around it,” said Mead.

• Contact reporter Jonson Kuhn at jonson.kuhn@juneauempire.com.

CCFR were called to a residential structure fire on Saturday evening in the 2500 block of Pederson Street. Crews were successful in extinguishing the fire and everyone inside was safely evacuated. (Courtesy Photo / CCFR)

CCFR were called to a residential structure fire on Saturday evening in the 2500 block of Pederson Street. Crews were successful in extinguishing the fire and everyone inside was safely evacuated. (Courtesy Photo / CCFR)

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for t​​he Week of Oct. 1

Here’s what to expect this week.

Michael Beasley drops a ballot into a drop box at the City Hall Assembly Chambers on Election Day Tuesday morning. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Preliminary election results: Tight Assembly races, narrow City Hall rejection

Results released early Wednesday, more votes to be counted in next two weeks.

Students in the Juneau School District fared better on standardized science tests during the past year than their peers statewide, but the local proficiency score of about 43% was nearly 6% lower than the local scores last year, according to results released last Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Statewide test scores show Alaska’s students still struggling

About 37% proficient in science statewide; Juneau at 43%, down from 48.6% a year ago.

A closed sign sits on Delta’s ticket counter after hours inside Juneau International Airport in August of 2022. The airline announced this week it is suspending service between Juneau and Seattle from Nov. 4 to June 6, 2024. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File)
Delta Air Lines canceling Juneau-Seattle flights from Nov. 4 until early next June

Airline cites “commercial and operational constraints,” analyst says higher local airfares likely.

Residents sit in voter booths at the voter center located at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library on Tuesday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Election Day kicks off in Juneau

Preliminary results of municipal election expected to be announced late Tuesday night.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Monday, Oct. 2, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., leaves the House floor after being ousted as Speaker of the House at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
McCarthy becomes the first speaker ever to be ousted from the job in a House vote

WASHINGTON — Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday… Continue reading

An exercise station at Anchorage’s Westchester Lagoon is seen on Monday. The “Fitness Cluster” offers opportunities for strength and cardiovacular training, and signage gives fitness information and advice. Two-thirds of Alaska adults are overweight or obese, and about a fifth of them engage in no physical activity, according to an annual report released by the state Department of Health. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Report: Alaskans dogged by chronic diseases

Many residents lack healthy lifestyles or regular screenings.

Most Read