Truckload of mail burns up on its way to Kenai Peninsula

HOMER (AP) — A trailer containing mail intended for a dozen communities on the Kenai Peninsula caught fire and was destroyed, including all the contents.

The driver of the truck hauling the trailer was not injured in the April 25 fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation, the U.S. Postal Service said in a statement.

The contract truck left a processing center in Anchorage and caught fire near Mile 38 of the Seward Highway, or just north of the intersection of the Seward and Sterling highways, near Tern Lake.

Mail in the trailer was intended for Kasilof, Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Homer, Fritz Creek, Halibut Cove, Nanwalek, Nikolaevsk, Port Graham, Nikiski and Seldovia.

One thing that made it hard to put the fire out is that the area has limited access to water. Fire crews had to shuttle water from 16 miles away.

Anyone who believes they might have had mail on the truck should contact the postal service. If a lost package was insured, a claim can be filed online.

“The Postal Service regrets this unfortunate situation and any inconvenience it may cause,” USPS wrote in a copy of the letter attached to the press statement. “If you are questioned by a mailer, creditor or correspondent regarding mail or packages that may have been destroyed in this fire, feel free to use this letter as explanation.”

The postal service should be able to identify lost mail or packages that had tracking numbers, said James Boxrud, an agency spokesperson.

 

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