Police assist in investigation of fatal East Anchorage home fire

A fatal residential fire in the Russian Jack neighborhood of East Anchorage on Sunday afternoon is under investigation by police and fire officials, authorities said Monday.

Firefighters found two people dead inside the duplex after crews were called to the 2600 block of Easthaven Circle around 2:35 p.m., according to a statement from the Anchorage Fire Department.

Another person was believed to be inside the neighboring unit of the duplex when the fire began, spokeswoman Lexi Qass’uq Trainer said in an email. They were referred to the Red Cross for assistance because the building is expected to be a complete loss, according to the statement.

A firefighter was transported to a hospital with a minor injury, but was released and was recovering at home by Monday morning, the statement said.

It was not immediately clear where the fire originated or if smoke detectors were installed, Qass’uq Trainer said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, police spokeswoman Renee Oistad said Monday morning in response to a question asking if the blaze was suspected to be arson. Police are assisting the fire department with the investigation, she said.

Fire investigations often last between two weeks and three months, Qass’uq Trainer said.

At least 16 people have died so far this year in fires across the state, according to the Department of Public Safety.