Bystanders told firefighters that the fire started in the porch where a freezer was located. But the cause of the fire is still unknown, and officials say it is currently under investigation. Efforts are underway to set up a GoFundMe to help the Coolidge family.
A house in Aleknagik burned down early Saturday morning. Aleknagik resident Debbie Coolidge was home with her son, daughter and two dogs at the time of the fire.
Dillingham Fire Department assisted Aleknagik’s Fire Department to combat the flames. Assistant Rescue Squad Chief Ron Bowers said no one was injured in the fire.
“The family soon faced smoke and flames in their home and gathered their two dogs and escaped out the back door of their residence," Bowers said. "Firefighters stress that working smoke detectors saved three lives in Aleknagik early Saturday morning.”
Aleknagik firefighters attempted to engage a fire truck from Aleknagik’s South Shore Fire Hall, but it was out of service. Firefighters shuttled multiple tanker loads of water to the scene and residents tried to help by spraying the home with a garden hose. Firefighters also worked to protect nearby trees, brush and a heating oil tank.
Despite those efforts, the structure was considered a total loss. Aleknagik crews spent most of Saturday dousing the smoldering remains with water.
Bystanders told firefighters that the fire started in the porch where a freezer was located. But the cause of the fire is still unknown , and officials say it is currently under investigation .
Efforts are underway to set up a GoFundMe to help the Coolidge family.
Contact the author at tyler@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200
