FIRE— Talkeetna fire fighters go back into a burned home on I Street to look for dogs that were trapped in the blaze on Thursday, Oct. 29. Photo by Diana Haecker

Five dogs perished in a blaze in East Talkeetna that burned a house on I Street. The home is a total loss and uninhabitable due to extensive fire and water damage. Talkeetna EMTs and firefighters responded after a 911 call came in shortly after 11 a.m . Nobody was at home when the fire broke out.

Fire chief Ken Farina said that the firefighters managed to contain the blaze within five minutes of the arrival of the two fire engines. A dozen firefighters kept working on the scene pulling out insulation and hosing down the smoldering roof while Farina tried to locate the home owner, Bob Johnson. Neighbors gathering in front of the smoking house alerted fire fighters that Johnson had several dogs that might still be inside. A firefighter then made the discovery of the first canine victim and EMT’s rushed inside. They found two dogs alive and five dead dogs. Farina said one dog is going to make it, the other is at the veterinarian for treatment.

The cause of the blaze has not been determined yet.

The Red Cross responded as well and is currently taking care of Johnson.

Farina said that it is likely that Johnson is in need of clothes but at this point it is unknown where donations could be dropped off. Stay tuned for updates.