Fish smoker blamed on house fire

PALMER — Firefighters say they’ve settled on a cause for the fire that all but destroyed a home on Esther Drive near Palmer-Fishhook Road on Monday.

“We believe it was the (salmon) smoker that was on the front porch,” said Palmer Fire Chief John McNutt.

Fire crews were called to the home at around 5 p.m. Flames were quickly reported to be through the roof.

Palmer’s Director of Emergency Services Jon Owen said two boys were home at the time. One, Brandon Doss, 14, was outside playing with his friend Devin Johnson.

“They heard a crackling sound and they looked and saw fire on the porch, which is kind of on the side of the house, which is why they didn’t see it at first,” Owen said.

Johnson ran to his own home across the street to call 911. Doss’ brother, Zachery Doss, 12, was inside the home. Since the front door was blocked by flame, Brandon Doss knocked on a window and told his brother to get out through the back door. Neither brother was injured.