Family of people, cats, dogs and sea animals rescued after house fire in Cooper Landing

On October 22, 2024By Yukito

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Four people, a cat, a dog, eight fish, four aquatic snails and a small snail survived Sunday’s house fire in Cooper Landing.

One tenant of the burned house, who goes only by Wilson, said that despite the fish tank being partially melted and the water hot to the touch, she returned home on Sunday to find the house burning and volunteer firefighters rescuing her fish and snails, one by one.

“Everyone,” Wilson said. “The first time they came out they didn’t catch all of them, so I told them there was one fish and one snail left and they came back and took them, even though there was one tiny little snail that was probably no bigger than the tip of my little one finger.

Wilson said there were no injuries and the fire department said “all four people and one puppy were able to escape safely” from the home.

Volunteer firefighters saved every fish and snail, down to the baby snail. There was extensive damage to the home, and Wilson said they were not told whether the home was a total loss or the amount of damage. Both Wilson and her roommate Jack Bradley were able to search the house Monday to see what had survived.

“At first, I felt such relief knowing that our cat and our dog had left immediately,” Wilson said.

Wilson and Bradley were in good spirits as they gave a tour of the burned house on Monday. They said it was because the outcome could have been much worse and they were grateful to be alive.

They don’t know what their losses are in dollar terms and they didn’t have renters insurance. A fundraiser has been set up to help them with their expenses. Although the house is currently uninhabitable, Wilson said everyone has a place to stay overnight.

Editor’s note: Alaska’s News Source makes no representations or warranties as to the authenticity, accuracy or reliability of any GoFundMe campaign. Any donations you make to such campaigns are made entirely at your own risk. If you have any questions about the authenticity, accuracy or trustworthiness of a GoFundMe campaign, please contact GoFundMe directly or review the GoFundMe Guarantee Policy.