Mat-Su

Fire that killed man and woman in Sutton appears accidental, troopers say

PALMER — Alaska State Troopers this week identified the two people found dead following a cabin fire Saturday in Sutton, and said the blaze appeared to be accidental.

The man and woman found inside the cabin were 43-year-old Stephani Torgessen of Ketchikan and 66-year-old Dan Winters of Butte, troopers said this week.

Spokesman Tim DeSpain on Wednesday said the fire appeared to be accidental, though an investigation continues. DeSpain on Sunday had described the structure as a “single room dry cabin with electricity fed from the home approximately 30 feet away” and multiple electric heaters inside.

Troopers said the fire was reported just before 6:30 a.m. Saturday and had fully engulfed the cabin by the time they arrived. Firefighters and medics from Sutton Fire Department responded. Firefighters found Torgessen and Winters inside once the fire was out, they said.

Sutton is located northeast of Palmer along the Glenn Highway.

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