Hangar fire sends responders to hospital

This morning, Dec. 17,  at approximately 2 am, Butte and Palmer Fire departments responded to an airplane hangar fire at 17901 E. Maude Rd in Butte, Alaska. Four firefighters from Palmer, three firefighters from Butte, and one medic were screened for smoke inhalation at MAT-SU Regional Hospital.

All responders have been evaluated. Two remain at the hospital under evaluation and are expected to be released by noon or earlier. One responder was admitted to the hospital.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. Three airplanes may have been lost.

“The safety of our First Responders is our first priority, and we're thankful for the quick action by our medics and the MAT-SU Regional Hospital,” said John McNutt, the Incident Commander.