On Thursday March 22nd, at 11:44 PM, 911
dispatch received telephone calls from passing motorists, reporting a fire in a
residence located on Burton Drive, in Kasilof near mile 110 of the Sterling
Highway. Callers indicated the structure was fully involved. Additionally,
another 911 call was received from a nearby neighbor who indicated that two
individuals were in their residence and had suffered burns from the fire.
Engine 1, Tanker 1, Tanker 3, Tanker 4, Medic 1, Medic 2, command staff and
approximately 14 personnel responded to the scene. Within one minute of the call
being dispatched, a CES first responder arrived on scene and reported a single
family dwelling was completely engulfed in flames. The fire was declared under
control within 25 minutes of Engine 1 arriving on scene. The was not declared
out until work crews from Enstar Gas responded and shut down the flow of natural
gas to a flaming natural gas meter. The building and the contents were a
complete loss.
The two fire victims, the residents of the home that burned, were treated by CES
medics and transported to Central Peninsula Hospital. One victim was treated and
released and the second victim has been taken to HarborView Burn Center in
Seattle for treatment.
During the fire investigation on Friday March 23rd, personnel on scene rescued a
puppy that had been inside the building during the fire the night before. The
puppy suffered some singed fur but was reported to be in good condition and in
the custody of an Alaska State Trooper.
