4 homeless in Muldoon trailer fire; 4 pets likely dead

All four people inside a Muldoon trailer destroyed by a Monday morning fire safely escaped, but firefighters say four cats and dogs inside the residence probably died in the fire.

Anchorage Fire Department spokeswoman Cleo Hill said a total of 18 AFD units were dispatched at 10:25 a.m. to the double-wide mobile home in the Glencaren Trailer Court at 2221 Muldoon Road.

According to Fire Department Senior Capt. Ryan Staten, several crews were sent to the scene due to multiple calls reporting the fire. Rescue and tanker units were also sent to handle possible injuries and an unreliable hydrant system in the area.

"We knew that this was a confirmed structure fire while we were en route, and then we also had reports of occupants trying to enter the structure to save pets," Staten said. "That also increased the possible need for a rescue."

Hill said two adults and two children escaped unhurt from the home, which is considered a total loss from the blaze. Fire crews' searches for the family pets were slowed by the trailer's interior being "totally gone" following the fire.

"They have confirmed one pet fatality; they have not found the other three," Hill said. "I would say it's likely there will be four pet fatalities."

A relative of the occupants said at the scene that the family did not believe the pets survived.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hill said the Red Cross was responding Monday to assist the displaced residents.

Bill Roth contributed information to this story.