 No injuries reported... January 03, 2008
Hill said the fire crews were hampered by high winds, snow, and icy conditions. The house was a single- story, wood frame, modular house owned by Otto Roppel of Ketchikan. There was one occupant at home in bed at the time of the fire said Hill. Celia Weston, the tenant, was awakened by her smoke alarms. Hill said Weston tried to call 911 from the house but was driven out by smoke and heat. Weston escaped by jumping from a bedroom window and went to a neighbor's house to call 911. Weston appeared uninjured and refused care from Ketchikan Fire Department medics said Hill. Assistant Fire Chief Hill said a total of 30 Ketchikan Fire Department personnel responded to the call. It took about 40 minutes for fire crews to control the stubborn fire he said . First attempts to enter the burning house failed because of floors burned-away near the front entrance to the house. The cause is still under investigation by Ketchikan Fire Department and Ketchikan Police Department fire investigators. Family members are providing housing for the displaced tenant. The local Red Cross chapter is providing Weston with assistance regarding food and clothing. Publish A Letter in SitNews Read Letters/Opinions
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