Anchorage

Fire investigator says used charcoal sparked Anchorage condo blaze

A fire investigator has concluded that used charcoal sparked the flame Thursday that heavily damaged a condo in East Anchorage, according to an Anchorage Fire Department spokesman.

The charcoal was stored in a bag on a second-floor deck at the house on Lunar Drive, said Al Tamagni, fire department spokesman. He noted there is "nothing suspicious" about the fire.

"Obviously we know that's not the best way to dispose of (charcoal)," he said. "Put them in a metal can of some sort. Make sure they're totally out."

The condo is leased by oil and gas fiscal consultant Brad Keithley. Keithley said Monday he had last barbecued about a week before the fire, but was leaving it up to the fire department to determine the cause.

Tamagni said that two firefighters taken from the fire to the hospital with minor injuries Thursday afternoon were treated and released that evening.

Tegan Hanlon

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

ADVERTISEMENT