Alaska State Troopers are investigating two structure fires in the community of Atmautluak along the Pitmiktakik River in southwestern Alaska over the weekend.

On Saturday, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a structure fire at the Tribal Office there at 4:20 pm. Local residents, along with the Atmautluak Public Safety officer were able to address the fire, and as a result, the fire was confined to one room and the exterior of the building.

The investigation at the scene would find that two young children were the cause of the fire. It was determined that the children had been playing with lighters under the building.

During the early morning hours of Sunday, at 3:06 am, troopers were again notified of a fire in the community. This time the old Moravian Church was set afaire. The structure was totally destroyed and a home next door was damaged by the flames.

Troopers traveled to the community later that day to investigate the cause of the fires.

It was determined that that fire was also set by two juveniles. The investigation showed that the fire was started by a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old. They had been playing with fire.

The trooper investigation into the two fires is continuing.

  atmautluak, children, fires, juveniles, lighters, moravian church, tribal office