The Fairbanks Fire Department (FFD) responded to a call early Wednesday morning about a fire at 785 8th Avenue. Arriving on the scene, FFD found the first floor of the house engulfed in flames, and took three hours to extinguish the fire with the help of the University and Ft. Wainwright fire departments. One FFD firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
According to a press release from the City of Fairbanks, the structure appeared to be a vacant home with reported squatter activity. Evidence at the scene suggests the fire might have been set intentionally.
This incident marks the latest in a series of fires around the city which have occurred under suspicious circumstances, and are suspected to have been set intentionally. It also marks the latest in a series of fires which have occurred in locations known or suspected to experience transient activity.