(Photo courtesy of Ketchikan Fire Department)
Two people died in a structure fire early Saturday morning on Lincoln Street in Ketchikan.
The Ketchikan Fire Department responded to the scene at around 2:30 a.m., after someone on the ground floor of the building evacuated and called 911, according to Fire Chief Rick Hines.
A Ketchikan police officer first arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the second story of the house.
Responders found the first victim about 15 minutes after they arrived. Multiple crews then brought the fire under control and located a second victim.
The victims have been identified as Brenda Michalsen, 65, and Bill Michalsen, 69. The family has been notified.
Officials say the fire was contained by 3:26 a.m. and most firefighters had left the scene by 5 a.m.
One South Tongass firefighter was sent to Ketchikan Medical Center emergency room after reporting cardiac complaints leaving the scene. Officials say the firefighter was released later Saturday morning.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Ketchikan Police Department and the Ketchikan Fire Department are working with the State Fire Marshall to determine what caused it.
This story has been updated to include the names of the victims.
