KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A fire broke out on Sargent Dr. on Sunday morning, close to Mission Rd. where it passes under Near Island Bridge. According to fire chief Mike Milligan, the fire decimated an outbuilding on private property, just ten feet away from the main house.
City firefighters reached the residence four minutes after being dispatched to find a 20 foot by 30 foot workshop aflame.
“We had fire showing out the windows and vented through the roof, which means that it was a fully involved structure fire,” said Milligan.
The closest fire hydrant turned out to be frozen, Milligan said. Fire engines carry their own water, but not enough to fully put out a fire of that size. On top of that he said, snow, ice and the tight roads in that area made it difficult to maneuver.
“We were able to eventually establish water supply off of Marine Way and also called I called Bayside [Volunteer Fire Department] in for a water tender to feed my engine that was closest to the fire. And between the two of them, we were able to keep the fire from getting to that the primary residence. But the building itself is a total loss.”
Finding a fire hydrant frozen can be a problem during colder winters like this one, Milligan said. Even so, snaking a hose up the hill from a hydrant on Marine Way and calling in backup water supply only caused a five minute delay, he estimated.
The fire was declared put out about an hour after firefighters arrived on scene. The main house was left untouched, and no people were hurt, Milligan said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
With more snow on the way and cold, icy conditions expected to continue, Milligan warned residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working. He also recommended practicing an exit plan, and to make sure that all exit points are clear of snow and ice.
