6th dog in Talkeetna fire dies

The 6^th dog injured in the east Talkeetna fire on Friday has died. Bob Johnson, 81, not only lost his house to the fire, but also his family.

Talkeetna fire and rescue personnel tried to save the structure, and Johnson’s 7 dogs, during the fire on Friday morning. Johnson wasn’t at home at the time of the fire and returned to find that 5 of his dogs did not make it out of the fire. The 6^th one was taken to the veterinarian for medical care but smoke inhalation and burns were too much for the dog.

Collection jars are set up at Nagley’s and the Latitude 62. A myriad of community members are working on an effort to organize a clean-up of the homesite and to rebuild his home. Any resident who has a trailer or truck to assist in the effort can sign up at Nagley’s on Main Street in Talkeetna.

Jenny Krepel, Suzy Kellard and their employee, Patty, are spearheading the effort to get clothes and a roof back over Johnson’s head.

Kellard says that Johnson has been given a temporary home on Beaver Road, where Meandering Moose B & B owner, Kathy Stoltz, has also given approval for Johnson’s remaining dog to live as well.