Fire severely damages Fireweed Avenue home

An early evening fire last Saturday severely damaged a Fireweed Avenue off East Hill Road. According to Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Painter, HVFD received a page about 7:30 p.m. July 2. When firefighters responded the fire was fully involved, with fire that had spread to much of the 7,000-square-foot home. Twelve HVFD firefighters and medics responded. No one was injured, Painter said.

HVFD has mutual aid from Anchor Point Emergency Services and Kachemak Emergency Services. The house had a fire-hydrant nearby, Painter said. Firefighters fought the fire into late evening, with crews returning to the station at about 1:30 a.m. July 3.

According to Kenai Peninsula Borough tax records, the home is owned by Neil and Rosana Bergt and assessed at about $900,000. The Bergts and other Fireweed Avenue neighbors had complained last year of the poor condition of the road past Forget Me Not Lane, particularly during spring breakup. The city eventually worked out a deal to fund improvements with contributions from homeowners.

On Tuesday night, firefighters responded again to the home when hot spots flared up and flame and smoke was seen in the living room of the home. Firefighters put out that fire.

Painter said the cause of the fire is undetermined and will remain under investigation.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.