Sutton home burns

SUTTON -- A Sutton home went up in flames Monday evening, but fire crews were reportedly able to respond before the house was completely consumed.

The house, a mobile home attached to a cabin on Danielson Avenue, was reportedly not inhabited at the time. It is owned by Patsy and Bob Coyne of Wasilla, who were preparing to rent it out, according to Sutton Fire Chief Chuck Carver.

A neighbor reported the house was on fire after he heard a loud popping noise and stepped outside to look, Carver said. The volunteer fire department responded immediately, and were able to contain the fire.

An area in the rear of the home, where trunks were stored, was not destroyed. Tools and other equipment for painting and minor repairs probably were lost in the fire, Carver said.

"We're still investigating the fire. We don't have a positive clue yet about what started it, but it's not suspicious," Carver said. "I think once we really start looking, it will probably lead back to a propane leak."

The home was heated to keep pipes from freezing, Carver said.