FAIRBANKS — An early morning fire at the Little Dipper Apartments displaced three families Tuesday morning.
The Fairbanks Fire Department was called to the apartment complex just after 3 a.m. to battle a fire that had started on a front porch. When firefighters arrived just four minutes later, the building was heavily involved in a fire that had also made its way into the roof.
Six adults and at least four children had to be relocated because of the fire, assistant fire chief Ernie Misewicz said.
Two of the families were transferred to other apartments, while the third is receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
The witness who first called 911 also banged on apartment doors to wake up the occupants, all of whom were apparently sleeping.
Because the flames were in the roof, smoke alarms did not go off.
One man received a minor cut to his arm while escaping through a back window.
Assistance was provided by the Fort Wainwright and University Fire Departments.
Damage to the building, which was insured, is estimated at between $140,000 dollars to $150,000 dollars..
“But on the positive side, we probably saved between $800 to 900,000 of personal belongings,” Misewicz said.
The fire, which was brought under control in about 30 minutes, appears to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette.
There have been several other such fires in the Fairbanks area recently. In fact, Misewicz said firefighters were called to put out a grass fire earlier Tuesday near the Little Dipper Apartments that was also likely caused by still simmering cigarette butt.
“Smokers must use extreme caution when disposing of smoking materials,” Misewicz said. “The simple act of throwing or tossing a lit cigarette can be disastrous.”
Article found:http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/may/20/fairbanks-families-displaced-after-apartment-fire/
The Fairbanks Fire Department was called to the apartment complex just after 3 a.m. to battle a fire that had started on a front porch. When firefighters arrived just four minutes later, the building was heavily involved in a fire that had also made its way into the roof.
Six adults and at least four children had to be relocated because of the fire, assistant fire chief Ernie Misewicz said.
Two of the families were transferred to other apartments, while the third is receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
The witness who first called 911 also banged on apartment doors to wake up the occupants, all of whom were apparently sleeping.
Because the flames were in the roof, smoke alarms did not go off.
One man received a minor cut to his arm while escaping through a back window.
Assistance was provided by the Fort Wainwright and University Fire Departments.
Damage to the building, which was insured, is estimated at between $140,000 dollars to $150,000 dollars..
“But on the positive side, we probably saved between $800 to 900,000 of personal belongings,” Misewicz said.
The fire, which was brought under control in about 30 minutes, appears to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette.
There have been several other such fires in the Fairbanks area recently. In fact, Misewicz said firefighters were called to put out a grass fire earlier Tuesday near the Little Dipper Apartments that was also likely caused by still simmering cigarette butt.
“Smokers must use extreme caution when disposing of smoking materials,” Misewicz said. “The simple act of throwing or tossing a lit cigarette can be disastrous.”
Article found:http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/may/20/fairbanks-families-displaced-after-apartment-fire/
Renters insurance would cover your contents, and cover the cost to relocate you and your family to temporary housing for $5 a month.