CHUGIAK – A early morning fire that broke out on Sunday claimed the life of man and has left dozens of sled dogs homeless.

At about 1am on Sunday morning, reports of a fire in a Birchwood neighborhood were received. Neighbors reported hearing an explosion sound and then saw the home engulfed in flames.

State troopers have identified a victim of the fire as 70-year old Barry MacAlpine, who according to neighbors, had a passion for mushing and a passion for his sled dogs.

MacAlpine died as a result of the fire and has left behind 35 sled dogs that he had been caring for. Some of MacAlpine's friends said that he often referred to the dogs as “his people, ” and that he made them his number one priority. MacAlpine apparently loved to train the dogs and was often seen being pulled by the dogs, to the post office, in a homemade sled.

Now, all of the dogs need a home and several organizations are working to find homes for the 35 dogs that MacAlpine was scarring for. So far rescue shelters and neighbors have come together to help find home for the dogs as there is not enough room in the already over crowded shelters.

All of the dogs are said to be “good dogs” in need of a good home. Anyone that is interested in helping with these now homeless dogs, to adopt or be a foster home can contact the adopt-a-friend website, their link is listed below.