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Juneau firefighters responded Monday night to a fire on the second floor of the Gastineau Apartments. No confirmed injuries have been reported, and the building has been evacuated. (Courtesy Wendy Boyden / November 5, 2012) |
A fire at a downtown Juneau, Alaska, apartment building has reportedly sent flames shooting from the roof. A deputy fire chief says he has no confirmed reports of any injuries at the Gastineau Apartments.
Deputy Chief Brian Long tells KINY Radio that fire was reported Monday evening on the upper floors of the building.
The station says initial reports from callers indicate the building has been evacuated.
Apartment resident Sarah Day tells the Juneau Empire that flames were seen on the roof at about 6 p.m. Monday and residents were told to leave due to heavy smoke.
Local NBC affiliate KATH-TV initially described the fire as out of control, saying it threatened multiple structures.
Juneau resident Dustin Indendi, who saw the fire, said it had inflicted severe damage to the building.
"When I finally got downtown to see it, there were flames coming out all of the windows and the roof was on fire, so at that point it was pretty much gone," Indendi said.
According to Indendi, the mood at the scene Monday night was a mix of sadness and anxiety.
"You've got some people who are really crushed because all their belongings just went up," Indendi said. "Other people are watching with concern, making sure it's not spreading to their buildings."
Firefighters have asked drivers to stay away from the area because of smoke and emergency vehicle traffic.
The Juneau Assembly has cancelled its scheduled Monday evening meeting.
Maj. Guy Hayes with the Alaska National Guard say five Guardsmen have been asked to assist with perimeter security at the scene. Local officials are reportedly opening Centennial Hall as a shelter for those displaced by the fire, and may contact the Sitka Fire Department if the blaze becomes an extended event.
Contact Chris Klint and Mike Ross
