Wind helps fire tear through home almost immediately and threaten others

PALMER — At 2:55 p.m. on Tuesday, a fire broke out and engulfed a home on Northway Lane almost immediately.

According to Ken Barkley, who has been the borough’s fire deputy director for three years, this is typical when high winds take hold. The cause of the fire on Northway Lane is unknown as of yet. There had been speculation that it was caused by a gas leak, but that has not been confirmed. Other structures in the area were in danger, but none were affected by the fire. The fire was called in by a neighbor who then went to rescue animals from the house. No one was inside the house, but firefighters took every precaution to extinguish it as quickly as possible.

"The wind is one of our worst enemies. It helps the fire and it hampers our crew," said Barkley.

Palmer Fire Department and Butte Fire Department were on the scene quickly and fire trucks filled the small road. By 4 p.m., 9 fire trucks had responded along with other various emergency vehicles. Barkley said this type of swift and strong response is typical with fires that develop in the wind.

"It is with the high winds because we need a quick attack on the fire. For safety reasons we want to keep as many folks as we can able to respond for the safety of our crews," said Barkley.

Barkley estimated the fire burned twice as fast with the help of the wind, and that fires are typical in wind this strong when trees fall on power lines. Fire Department property was damaged in the wind. A flagpole broke in half, door hinges were sprung and a window broke out. The quick response from the fire crews kept the fire contained, but Barkley stresses that in such conditions, anything can go up.

"Even just a little match on the ground can cause a big fire. Wind gusts can increase a fire tremendously," said Barkley.