KETCHIKAN — A fire has destroyed a decades-old hotel in Craig that served as a landmark in the small community.
Ruth Ann’s caught fire early Thursday morning. No injuries have been reported, according to The Ketchikan Daily News.
“I think it’s got some heat and smoke damage, but structurally it’s just fine,” said City Administrator Jon Bolling.
Fire crews were able to keep the flames from severely damaging surrounding buildings “amazingly enough,” Bolling said, as the nearest property is no more than two feet away.
Firefighters from Craig and nearby Klawock remained at the scene into the afternoon.
Bolling called the incident “a big loss” for the town of Craig.
“Ruth Ann’s has been a landmark here for a long time,” he said. “When you think of Craig, you usually think of Ruth Ann’s, whether for a drink or a good dinner.”
The business supported about six jobs in the community of approximately 1,200 people.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
