ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska has seen an increase in the number of house fires this year, according to figures from the American Red Cross of Alaska.
The Red Cross has responded to 21 house fires since March 23 and has assisted 73 people across the state.
American Red Cross of Alaska case work specialist Anna Nilles said it’s unclear why house fires have increased, but that typically there are more fires in the winter because people can be reckless when trying to heat their homes.
Recently the Red Cross offered to help four people displaced by an apartment complex fire in Fairview Sunday. No one was injured in the blaze. The property damage is still being estimated.