UPDATE: Since the publication of this article, the Alaska Department of Public Safety has released information that the most likely explanation for the disappearance of 86-year-old Mary Jo Evans is that she was deceased at the scene of the fire. Compelling evidence includes the confirmation that one of the cars damaged in the parking lot belonged to Evans. Evans was believed to be driving between Anchorage and Valdez when she disappeared. The article below makes numerous definitive statements that no one was harmed in the fire. It would have been more appropriate to make statements indicating that no harm was reported according to early reports.
Glennallen, AK -- Glennallen’s Caribou Hotel was completely lost in a fire the morning of November 12. In a phone conversation on November 14, Leilani Shaw, who was working at the front desk, recalled the early events of the fire.
Leilani Shaw stated she detected a burning smell shortly before 8:00 a.m. and started searching for the source. When she saw smoke, she called Mark Gilmore, who was on duty for maintenance, on her radio. She also texted Carrie Shaw, General Manager of the hotel’s parent company, American Village of Alaska (AVAK). Carrie Shaw immediately called back on Facetime.
Leilani Shaw stated Gilmore entered the hotel rooms that appeared to be smoking, but there was no fire in the rooms. She stated that was when it dawned on them this fire might be larger than a single appliance or other small source they could contain on their own.
After the initial discovery of smoke, Leilani Shaw said, “it went from a zero to 100 situation really quick.” By the time Leilani Shaw texted Carrie Shaw at 8:00 a.m., she was already “coughing.” Soon after, the building fire alarms started going off. Carrie Shaw called 911, while Leilani Shaw started knocking on doors.
Leilani Shaw credits Gilmore, maintenance staff person Clinton Schneider, Caribou Grill employee Phillip Simpson, and maintenance/hotel staff person Austin Gibson for helping to knock on doors and ensure no one was left in the building.
Gibson, Schneider, and Simpson were residents at the hotel. While they were assisting with the evacuation, their own belongings were completely lost in the fire. Leilani Shaw’s job includes general office assistance for AVAK, so she still has a job.
GlennRich Fire and Rescue, Copper River EMS, local Village Public Safety Officers, and Alaska State Troopers began arriving at the scene within minutes. From farther afield, Gakona and Kenny Lake volunteer firefighters also jumped in to assist with firefighting and containment.
Carrie Shaw stated she called 911 at 8:07 a.m. Jason Severs, Assistant Fire Chief for the Glenn Rich Fire Department, stated in a phone conversation on the afternoon of November 12 that he received a dispatch call at 8:09 a.m. and was there by 8:10. Shaw stated emergency crews and vehicles were on scene by the time she arrived there at 8:11.
Severs stated by 10:00 a.m., the building was “completely involved,” and by 11:00 a.m., it was “on the ground.” Firefighters were unable to save the building, but their suppression efforts prevented the fire from spreading to other structures including the Caribou Grill.
Severs commented the lack of injury in the fire was “due to hotel staff recognizing the urgency of the situation and getting their guests out.”
According to Alaska State Trooper Public Information Officer Tess Williams, two state deputy fire marshals responded to the scene on November 12 “to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. That investigation is still ongoing.”
Both Severs and Shaw highlighted the immediate community response to assist people displaced by the fire in the subzero temperatures. The American Legion, Cross Road Health Ministries, and the Glennallen School Commons opened as emergency warming centers.
Both the Glennallen IGA and the Subway brought food over to the American Legion right away. Subway also provided meals for first responders. New to You, the Glennallen Pregnancy Center, and Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority (CRBRHA) donated clothing and supplies.
Shaw could not contain her emotion describing the situation of five AVAK employees who were living at the hotel. “They lost everything they own except for the shirts on their backs,” she said. Two employees’ vehicles were destroyed. Shaw stated AVAK had vacant apartments available, where the employees are currently housed.
Copper River School District school bus drivers were also housed at the Hotel. Three bus drivers’ personal vehicles were destroyed. First Student has found temporary alternative housing for the drivers, but they have also lost their belongings.
The American Legion and the local Lions Club have donated money towards helping former hotel residents meet their immediate needs. Shaw stated the “American Legion has been there for the veterans, and all the employees and drivers.” Private individuals have also contributed.
Shaw requested that persons wishing to donate clothing and personal items bring them to New to You or the Glennallen Pregnancy Center. Those wishing to make financial donations can contact the Caribou Grill at (907)822-4222.
On November 13, Copper River School District Assistant Superintendent Jason Roslansky organized a drive for monetary donations to give to bus drivers at the end of the week.
According to Shaw, hotel staff have job opportunities at the IGA, the Caribou Grill, and the Hub.
The Caribou Grill itself was undamaged but the new well that supplied water to the Grill was destroyed. Shaw stated repairing the old well to make it operational is the main hurdle towards reopening the restaurant. However, “My staff is my first priority,” she said, “and then the Grill.”
At press time, the Grill was still closed. Staff anticipate opening late this week.
The planning process for what is coming next is just beginning. However, Shaw said, “We 100 per cent plan to rebuild.”
Shaw would like to “thank the community for their support, hugs, and prayers.” She also expressed deep gratitude to all the helpers and the first responders.
On his service as a volunteer firefighter, Severs said, “What makes small communities work is people working together.”
Disclosure: American Village of Alaska, Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority, Cross Road Health Ministries, and New to You are Copper River Record advertisers.
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