ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - City officials have identified a woman who died in a fire at a Nome, Alaska, bar and hotel.
Betty Haugen, 63, died in the fire on Tuesday, KTVA reported . Staff from the state fire marshal’s office headed to Nome the same day to investigate the cause.
Officials estimate the fire caused at least $750,000 in damage at the business that serves as a bar, hotel and liquor store.
City officials said a person at the business followed a smell and found the fire, and then quickly told people to evacuate.
“He immediately alerted guests of the fire and due to his quick actions was able to evacuate many people from the hotel,” city officials wrote. “His actions saved lives.”
Haugen was found by a Nome Volunteer Fire Department member who was searching the debris. Her family has been notified.
“Though the circumstances are tragic, this event represents the spirit of our community; people of Nome coming together in time of need to serve,” city officials wrote. “The combined dedication and performance mitigated the possible loss of life and property from this significant community event.”
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Information from: KTVA-TV, http://www.ktva.com
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