Van fire spreads to Ketchikan building

Firefighter Seth Krasnow watches the progress of fire crews as they make sure hot spots are extinguished in a Stedman Street building that caught fire Wednesday. (Leila Kheiry, KHNS)
Firefighter Seth Krasnow watches the progress of fire crews as they make sure hot spots are extinguished in a Stedman Street building that caught fire Wednesday. (Leila Kheiry, KRBD-Ketchikan)

A parked van sparked, igniting a fire Wednesday afternoon that burned a building at 525 Stedman Street, Ketchikan.

Traffic had to be rerouted for several hours from the busy Ketchikan road – a primary route for most vehicles, including tour-related traffic.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

Assistant Fire Chief Scott Brainard said the initial report that came in was of the van on fire.

“On arrival, it was fully involved, with flame impingement against the side of the building,” he said. “And the side of the building was igniting. At that time, the fire was getting into the attic space of the building.”

City fire crews, along with crews from North and South Tongass Fire Departments responded, and Brainard said the fire was extinguished at about 2 p.m.

Ketchikan Fire Department crews checked the building for hot spots

It’s unknown how the van caught on fire.

The cause is under investigation, Brainard said.

According to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assessment Department’s online property search, the building is owned by Villa Machini Inc.

KRBD - Ketchikan

KRBD is our partner station in Ketchikan. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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