Alaska News

Spenard apartment fire: Shelter closed, probe stalled

While an unstable building continues to stymie investigation into the cause of Monday's apartment building blaze, more than 30 displaced residents have found alternative housing, officials said.

The Red Cross shelter set up at the Spenard Community Recreation Center closed Wednesday night, said Tanguy Libbrecht, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Alaska. Residents have checked-in to hotel rooms or are staying with friends and family, he said.

Al Tamagni, Anchorage fire department spokesman, said he doesn't expect firefighters to enter the burned-out half of the building at 1627 W. 32nd Ave. until early next week. With a collapsed third story, firefighters must rebuild part of the floor and stabilize walls, he said.

The flames destroyed at least half of the building's 16 units. Damage to the complex is estimated at about $500,000, not including content loss.

Reach Tegan Hanlon at thanlon@adn.com or 257-4589.

By TEGAN HANLON

thanlon@adn.com

Tegan Hanlon

Tegan Hanlon was a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News between 2013 and 2019. She now reports for Alaska Public Media.

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