1 dead after Wasilla duplex catches fire

VIDEO: One person was found dead early Wednesday morning in Wasilla following a duplex structure fire, according to Matanuska-Susitna Borough officials. According to Ken Barkley, director of the borough’s emergency services, neighbors of the inflamed Melanie Avenue duplex called in the blaze around 6:20 a.m. During the initial call, Barkley said, it was believed that all occupants of the house had evacuated but Barkley said they were informed there might be another person inside the unit. “The initial call came that everybody was out,” Barkley said. “Unfortunately, through the primary search, they did find one person that did not make it out.” Both Central Mat-Su and West Lakes Fire responded, with the first crews arriving at the duplex several minutes later. Crews in Palmer and Houston stood on standby, ready to assist, according to Barkley.
KTUU-TV NBC/CBS 2 Anchorage

City of Nome to Transfer Ambulance Services to Norton Sound Health Corporation

In a move to enhance emergency medical services, the City of Nome has opted to transfer the operation of its ground ambulance services to Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC). This change, scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 30, aims to ensure a more reliable and efficient response to medical emergencies. The decision was finalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on April 19. The change was prompted by the need for more consistent ambulance coverage. Previously the city operated a volunteer-based ambulance service. NSHC will provide 24 hour, seven day per week coverage with two qualified staffers working 12 hour shifts. They also plan to schedule a second-out team to ensure back up coverage. With NSHC operating the ambulances Nome City Manager Glenn Steckman anticipates improvements to the quality of service.
KNOM-FM 96.1 Nome