Mat-Su

Occupant of recreational vehicle dies in fire near Palmer

An occupant of a recreational vehicle parked on a road along the Knik River near Palmer died in a fire Monday night, Alaska State Troopers said.

The RV was engulfed in flames when troopers, responders from Butte Fire Department, and deputy fire marshals arrived at the 27800 block of East Knik River Road, where the vehicle was parked, according to troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel. The person who owned the property called 911 around 9:15 p.m., McDaniel said.

Firefighters put out the blaze fairly quickly, McDaniel said, and human remains were found inside. The name of the victim has not been released.

The fire was believed to be started by a propane space heater inside the RV, troopers said.

It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone else was inside when the fire started. The State Medical Examiner Office will identify the person and conduct an autopsy, according to troopers.

Tess Williams

Tess Williams is a reporter focusing on breaking news and public safety. Before joining the ADN in 2019, she was a reporter for the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota. Contact her at twilliams@adn.com.

ADVERTISEMENT