Anchorage Daily News

WASILLA -- A 54-year-old woman died after being burned Monday evening in a fire at a Wasilla home, Wasilla police said.

The woman, identified as Darlene Miller, was initially transported by LifeGuard helicopter to Alaska Regional Hospital but was later flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, which specializes in burn treatment, according to Michael Keenan, deputy chief of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department.

Firefighters broke down a locked front door to get into the home on West Melanie Avenue, Keenan said. They encountered very low flames but significant heat and smoke damage, as if the fire had been burning for some time.

Responders found Miller breathing on her own and with a strong pulse, he said. Two dogs killed in the fire were found near her on the floor of a dining area. A pet bird died as well.

Investigators still have not determined a cause, though it appeared the fire started in a bed near the entrance on the first floor, Keenan said.

Close to 35 fire, rescue and ambulance crews responded to the fire, which was reported just before 7 p.m. Monday, officials said. Wasilla police also responded.

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