Cause of Butte trailer fire ‘cooking related,’ state fire marshal says

BUTTE — The cause of a fire that killed five Butte girls Sept. 7 was cooking related, according to Alaska’s State Fire Marshal’s Office.

In an updated Alaska State Trooper dispatch, AST spokesperson Megan Peters said all five youngsters, ages 3 through 12, died of smoke inhalation. Borough emergency services personnel discovered the children after quashing a fast-moving trailer fire off Old Glenn Highway around sunrise last Thursday.

Peters stated that investigation by troopers and fire marshal’s office personnel led to the conclusion that no foul play was suspected. The blaze claimed the lives of Alexis Quakenbush, 12; Nevaeh Flores, 8; Lilyanna Flores, 7; Sofia Flores, 6; Jaelynn Flores, 3. The State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause and officially released the names following autopsies and notification of next of kin.

A remembrance-candlelight vigil is planned for Saturday at the Palmer Depot beginning at 6 p.m. More details can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1458539337563832/