In an effort to make sense of the conflicting information out there in Internet-land, I finally got hold of “Daphne DoAll LaChores,” the owner of the float and Ken Butner, the owner of the garage that was destroyed in the fire.

First, here’s the background in the story I did about it earlier this month.

“…the Butner family awoke to discover their detached garage in flames…and the fire was spreading to their home. The family got out safely and thanks to the Anchorage Fire Department, most of the home was saved…though damaged. However, the Pride Float for The Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA) that the Butners had housed for many years was completely lost.”

There was a rumor out there that there had been a determination of “arson” made by the Fire Department. I spoke earlier to the Anchorage Fire Department’s Arson Investigator, Brian Balega, who emphatically denied that he had made a final report on that fire. He stated that at this time, it is a “fire of undetermined origin.”

Then, a short time ago, the AFD posted this update on their website:

On July 2^nd at 05:37 hours the Anchorage Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 4438 E. 9^th Avenue. Upon arrival crews discovered a working fire involving a residential duplex, a detached garage, and a parade float later determined to be the gay pride float for Anchorage’s Fourth of July parade. Fire crews quickly suppressed the fire minimizing the damage to the home. The fire department conducted the initial investigation with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Between July 13^th and July 15^th the Municipality’s only fire investigator, who was out of state at the time of the fire, re-examined the fire scene with the information supplied by the stand-by investigator, the fire crews, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. After examining the fire scene, it was confirmed that the fire originated in the detached garage then extended to both the float and the house. Investigators were able to establish the area of origin. However, due to the extensive damage, they were unable to determine the point of origin and consequently the cause of the fire. At this time, the cause will be listed as undetermined.

The AFD Fire Investigator is seeking the public’s help in identifying an unknown white male who was observed in the area by a witness only moments before the fire was discovered. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Anchorage Fire Department’s Arson Hotline 267-5060 or Anchorage Crime Stoppers (561-STOP).

Posted Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 4:31 PM by Sue Rodman

In speaking to Mr. Butner, we now know that the insurance company has also not finished their investigation, though they have allowed him to release the area from “quarantine” as they’ve completed their physical investigation. They have also been working with him as he has started restoring the property.

It seems that the misinformation originated from a variety of sources and misunderstandings, and hopefully this update will provide accuracy and clarity. Thanks to everyone for their patience with this unfolding story.

One piece of accurate information, there IS going to be a fundraiser to replace the sound equipment on the float not covered by insurance:

“…spaghetti feed with salad on Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2010, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Guido’s, 549 W. International Road. Tickets $10.00 per person, $5.00 under 10 years old. $5.50 of every adult ticket sold will go to Daph. There will also be a 50/50 split the pot and silent auction to raise funds for the equipment.”

For tickets and more information about the fundraiser, contact (907) 929-4528.

To donate directly, contact Wells Fargo, the Northern Lights Branch: 301 West Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 –(907) 265-2805. The account number is: 9297382088.