(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - A huge structural fire south of Ketchikan on Forss Avenue tragically claimed the life of an older woman Thursday morning. The two story rental duplex owned by Carl and Lisa Thompson of Ketchikan, was occupied by two families. At home at the time in the lower unit was the victim and the family's dog, also lost in the fire.

Although tragic that this fire claimed a life, Chief Steve Rydeen, of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department said it could have been a more tragic incident for the community of Ketchikan. Rydeen said a woman and child in the upstairs duplex was able to escape without injuries. He said the woman, whose name was not released, reported she was in her back bedroom, heard something and as she brought her baby and dog out the flames were shooting over their heads.

Structural fire south of Ketchikan on Forss Avenue
Photograph by neighbor and 911 caller, Cindy Himmelberger

Chief Rydeen said, " I was the first one here, rolled up, and we had 100% involvement of the structure, heavy fire, 30 to 40 foot flames. I had my first engine into attack with a massive stream and knocked the body of the fire down and able to do the rest with handlings."

It wasn't until later that someone came up and said that there was someone who wasn't accounted for said Chief Rydeen. He said, "Because of the condition of the structure at that time, we were unable to put someone in the structure to search, for fear of collapse." Rydeen said eventually they were able to locate the victim and the deceased dog.

He said he called the State Fire Marshall who was expected to arrive Friday morning. The insurance adjuster was also expected Friday morning. Once the Fire Marshal arrives, a complete investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and the exact area of origin of the fire.

Chief Rydeen said the call originally came in from the city fire department for a structure fire and they thought it was on fourth avenue. Once it was realized that wasn't the proper address, the call was directed to South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Rydeen said the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department received the call around 8:45 am.

Chief Rydeen had a crew on site all night Thursday to make sure there are no "hot spots" and to secure the site to ensure a clean site for the State Fire Marshal. The cause of the fire will not be known until the investigation is completed said Rydeen.

Aftermath of Thursday's tragic home fire.
Photograph by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Rydeen said he called for "mutual aid" from Ketchikan Fire Department responding with one engine and approximately 6 personnel. He said he also requested "mutual aid" from North Tongass Volunteer Fire Department for man-power. Rehab Units from all three fire departments were on site. The Rehab Units for the firefighters they can be provided fluids and nutrition, keep them cool, so they can continue to work.

A neighbor living across the street, Cindy Himmelberger, said she was sitting with her daughter eating breakfast when she heard what sounded like three gun shoots. "I got up and looked out the window and behind my house I saw a mother hollering, her child crying, and watching her house burn."

Himmelberger said, " I quickly called 911 and went outside to comfort her. My neighbor, Jermey, ran out to help asking if any one else was in the house? He was ready to go in. He was told I don't think so."

Himmelberger said, "I brought a blanket because the mother didn't have time to dress her daughter. My neighbor Shannon also ran out with a shirt." Himmelbergr said she dressed the young two-year old child in some of her daughter's clothes.

The name of the victim has not been officially released and the investigation is ongoing.

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