Ketchikan area leaders signed a disaster declaration, in response to the fire that burned the South Tongass Fire station. Mayors of the Borough, the city of Saxman, and the city of Ketchikan came together to sign a joint local emergency declaration April 12. Earlier this week, a fire broke out at Ketchikan’s southern region fire station, rendering multiple emergency vehicles that were inside un-usable.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough said in a written statement that emergency services have continued thanks to help from other local and regional agencies. But losing a fire station and equipment is still a “significant impact.” The disaster declaration opens the borough up to emergency assistance and funding from both FEMA and the state.
Ketchikan’s neighboring community of Wrangell rushed to the First City’s aid, loaning an ambulance that arrived by barge on April 10th.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is also sending a fire engine to Ketchikan, which is expected to arrive April 15th.
The Borough Manager on Wednesday approved the emergency purchase of a new fire engine, which should arrive by the end of the month. According to the Borough, a new fire engine is usually around $1.2 million, but they were able to procure this engine for under $800,000.
Each municipal government will confirm the disaster declaration at their individual meetings next week.
