Talkeetna Fire Chief Eric Chappel reports that preliminary numbers show the overall volume of fire-related calls decreased in 2023 despite a growing population.
Of the 195 calls to the fire department last year, only 38 were fire-related. Chappel says those could be smoke investigations, burn barrels that have gotten out of control, or structure fires. The remainder of the calls were rescues, medical, or both.
Chappel says he believes that Talkeetna residents are getting safer regarding fire. That means safer buildings with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as building materials. It also means that residents are safer with their burn barrels and piles.
There were two chimney fires in December. Chappel says neither chimney was cleaned during the year and that creosote buildup was likely the cause.
In warmer winters, medical and rescue calls can increase. Though fire calls are reduced in 2023, Chappel says that medical and rescue calls that the fire department responds to have steadily increased.
Though winter numbers can vary, Chappel says if the weather is cold, heating emergencies often increase. There were two carbon monoxide calls in December, resulting in two individuals being transported to the hospital.
Chappel says that the fire department has free carbon monoxide detectors available for residents in the service area. The fire department will install them free of charge if needed.
