Anchorage Fire Department s2

Anchorage Fire Department

For Immediate Release: Deputy Chief Tom Kempton January 11, 2005 343-2902/317-7233

STRUCTURE FIRE AT CEDAR PARK CONDO This is the narrative from the first arriving fire company at the Cedar Park Condo fire shortly after 6 pm last night. 13216 Old Seward Hiway.

At 1801 hours on Tuesday January 11, 2005 we were dispatched to a building fire. Twelve units were assigned to this incident. Twenty-five personnel responded. We arrived on scene at 1806 hours and cleared at 2017 hours. The incident occurred at 13216 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage Bowl in District 009. The local station is S09. M09 arrived on location of two story multiple unit condo structure spotting apparatus across street in parking lot, gave size up of structure relaying active fire involvement of front room of first floor of condo, declared working fire, and established command.

Upon arrival occupants seen outside structure and stated all occupants of fire unit had evacuated but concerned about two cats left inside. Occupants stated they used two small extinguishers from the outside just before we arrived. At this time the fire room was visualized from the exterior of the structure through a broken window in the fire room (where extinguishers had been used) and visibly noted to be confined to the front room/office of the first floor of the fire unit and visibility had not yet decreased significantly. An attack line was pulled to the front door off T09 and charged. BC2 advised he was approaching the scene and was asked to assume command. E09 and T12 were following and the decision to make a fast attack was made. M09 entered the structure about the same time BC2 arrived on location. M09 entered approx. 6 feet into the structure and turned to the right, knocked down the fire with little water use, and relayed info to command while requesting ventilation and search upstairs for any possible extension. M09 exited the structure and made contact with command. M09 then assisted T12 and E09 crews on the interior with overhaul and salvage operations until placed back in service. - more -

1 Here is additional information from the engine company crew who took the second line into the fire and assisted in the fire cause determination.

E9 spotted SB on Old Seward HWY at the hydrant. Pulled 2nd attack line off of E9 and established water supply. Fire area was located in the A/B corner office of the end condo unit, #20. Main body of fire was knocked down by M9. Assisted with salvage and overhaul of fire area. Assisted TK12 with fire investigation. E9 consulted the occupants (Jim Stutts cell 830-6624) who stated the fire started in the office at the desk area just after printing a report.

Investigation determined the area of origin appeared to be at the computer area on the desk. Occupants stated there were no smoking materials in the area at the time of the fire. The crawl space was checked below the fire area for extension as well as some of the over head. Flame spread involved large quantities of paper / files on and around the desk, as well as the desk itself. Paper work and other articles that were in the fire area that were still smoldering were placed exterior, outside the office window. Extensive smoke damage through entire condo. Pacific Rim Properties (561-7373), the condo management company was called by BC2 concerning the fire. Assisted residents with personal items prior to their departure from the scene.

Family pet cats (one deceased, one taken to a vet) were taken by the occupants. The unit next door #21 (occupant Shelly Stanton 748-5564) was aired out due to high levels of CO from the fire (over 60ppm). The front door to this unit was also forced by AFD initially prior to the return of Shelly Stanton. The occupant of unit #22 stated "there was a power surge about 15 minutes prior to the fire". E9 returned to service. Post fire check @2142

Here is a picture of the firefighters investigating the probable “seat” or origin of the fire in the computer area of the residence:

-more, photo-

Damage was estimated at approx. $100,000. The firefighters were successful in containing the fire to the single unit in this 6 unit condominium.