Update, 4:40 p.m.: Human remains believed to be that of Ralph Smith have been found in the ashes of his Ketchikan home, according to Alaska State Troopers. The remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner Office for positive identification and autopsy. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Original story: A 49-year-old Ketchikan man died after shooting his gun in the air then apparently going back into his burning home, Alaska State Troopers said.
Early Wednesday evening, troopers in the Southeast community received a report of a house fire and shooting on Blackberry Lane.
The homeowner, identified as Ralph Smith, "exited his residence, told a family member it was on fire, then drove down the road and parked his pickup perpendicularly in the road," troopers said.
Smith reportedly "fired off a couple shots," troopers said. It is not believed the shots were directed at anyone, they said.
Witnesses to the fire lost sight of Smith after he shot the gun, and responders -- including the North Tongass Fire Department and state and Alaska Wildlife Troopers -- conducted an unsuccessful search for the homeowner.
Troopers said it is believed Smith went back into the burning home and died.
The North Tongass Fire Department extinguished the fire but the home was a total loss.
Troopers remained on scene through the night to secure the scene, and a deputy fire marshal responded to investigate the fire.
Troopers spokesperson Megan Peters said midday Thursday there was no additional information immediately available.
A search of the debris is ongoing in an attempt to locate Smith, troopers said.