Structure fire leads to fatality in Southeast Fairbanks

On Tuesday at 8:02pm, the Fairbanks Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a possible structure fire near 747 Old Richardson Highway. The Fairbanks Fire Department responded and found an older model motorhome fully engulfed in flames.

The motorhome was located on the East side of the Teamsters building in a wooded area. Fire personnel began immediately extinguishing the blaze which had also transferred to surrounding trees.

The fire was under control in 10-15 minutes, after which a deceased victim was found. Fairbanks Police and the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene. The victim has not yet been positively identified and the fire investigation has been turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Teal Soden is the Communications Director for the City of Fairbanks. She said because of a position vacancy within the Fire Department, outside help was need for this investigation.

“The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire and he will determine if there was any criminal activity involved. Because we have a vacant Deputy Fire Marshal position, we called in the State Fire Marshal to come and investigate," she said.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office at 907-451-5200.