Officials investigate ‘suspicious’ trailer fire

Fire department officials declared a home a total loss after a Wednesday night fire in the Sprucewood Trailer Park.

Capital City Fire/Rescue personnel responded to the fire on Stephen Richards Drive at 9:33 p.m. and were able to extinguish it within a few minutes, CCFR Assistant Fire Chief Ed Quinto said Thursday. The first firefighters on scene could easily see the smoke and flames in the front entrance/hallway area of the home where officials believe it may have started.

Quinto said the double wide trailer was empty at the time of the fire, and no one was harmed. There also wasn’t any damage to surrounding vehicles or neighboring trailers. Smoke and fire damage to the trailer caused an estimated $30,000 worth of damage.

Official were able to contact the residents of the trailer, and Quinto said they were in the process of moving out. As a result, few of their personal possessions were lost in the fire.

Quinto said the fire is considered “suspicious” at this time but did not comment further on what possibly started the fire. He said he expects the investigation to take a while.

CCFR Fire Marshal Dan Jager said his department is working alongside the Juneau Police Department as the incident investigation continues. The goal right now is to rule out an intentional fire, Jager said.

Officials have spoken with multiple witnesses but are seeking the community’s help to close the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact CCFR at 586-5322.

• Contact reporter Paula Ann Solis at 523-2272 or paula.solis@juneauempire.com.

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