Deadly fire at police station ‘probably started’ by man detained in his holding cell

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Gray News) – A man detained at a police department in Alaska died after a fire broke out inside a holding cell.

Early Friday morning, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a fire at the Mountain Village Police Department.

Authorities say two adult men were being held by the town’s police department at the time of the fire. One of the men was safely evacuated and the second man was located inside the cell deceased.

The deceased was identified as Lawrence Chiklak, 39 years old.

A town police officer was also treated for minor injuries after the fire.

The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. A preliminary investigation determined that the fire originated in one of the occupied holding cells and was likely started with a lighter by one of the two detained men. It is not immediately clear if the deceased is responsible for the fire.

Authorities say both men were taken into custody for Title 47 holds.

The fire caused extensive damage to approximately two-thirds of the building.

An investigation is ongoing.