Thursday morning fire leaves Big Lake man homeless

WASILLA — An early morning fire destroyed a two-story house along Lois Lane near the intersection with South Lake View Loop, leaving one resident homeless, authorities said.

A neighbor called to report the house was ablaze about 7 a.m., according to deputy emergency services director Ken Barkley. Firefighters were initially told at least two people might be in the residence, but after working with Alaska State Troopers were able to establish that no one was home at the time of the blaze.

“The owner left for work at early 5:30 a.m., and that’s the only reason he wasn’t there sleeping,” he said.

The fire was out by about 11:30 a.m. The fire destroyed the building, but did not spread to any surrounding wild lands, structures or cars, Barkley said.

“The only reason it was even noticed was the neighbor looked out a window and saw the flames,” he said.

Officials haven’t yet determined the cause, but said a portion of the fire likely smoldered through the night before rising up to engulf the house, Barkley said. Authorities were working to determine whether the Alaska Fire Marshall or the owner’s insurance company would conduct an investigation.

The Red Cross responded to the scene, and the owner of the house has relatives in the area, Barkley said.

Contact Reporter Brian O’Connor at 352-2270, brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com, or on Twitter @reporterbriano