Ketchikan: Woman Dies In Home Fire; Young mother and child escape By MARY KAUFFMAN - A huge structural fire south of Ketchikan on Forss Avenue tragically claimed the life of an older woman Thursday morning. The two story rental duplex owned by Carl and Lisa Thompson of Ketchikan, was occupied by two families. At home at the time in the lower unit was the victim and the family's dog, also lost in the fire.

Structural fire south of Ketchikan on Forss Avenue, Thursday morning
Photograph by neighbor and 911 caller, Cindy Himmelberger

Although tragic that this fire claimed a life, Chief Steve Rydeen, of the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department said it could have been a more tragic incident for the community of Ketchikan. Rydeen, said a woman and child in the upstairs duplex was able to escape without injuries. He said the woman, whose name was not released, reported she was in her back bedroom, heard something and as she brought her baby and dog out of her home, the flames were shooting over their heads.

Chief Rydeen said, " I was the first one here, rolled up, and we had 100% involvement of the structure, heavy fire, 30 to 40 foot flames. I had my first engine into attack with a massive stream and knocked the body of the fire down and able to do the rest with handlings."

It wasn't until later that someone came up and said that there was someone who wasn't accounted for said Chief Rydeen. He said, "Because of the condition of the structure at that time, we were unable to put someone in the structure to search, for fear of collapse." Rydeen said eventually they were able to locate the victim and the deceased dog.

He said he called the State Fire Marshall who was expected to arrive Friday morning. The insurance adjuster was also expected Friday morning. Once the Fire Marshal arrives, a complete investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and the exact area of origin of the fire.

Chief Rydeen said the call originally came in from the city fire department for a structure fire and they thought it was on Fourth Avenue. Once it was realized that wasn't the proper address, the call was directed to South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Rydeen said they received the call around 8:45 am.

Chief Rydeen had a crew on site all night Thursday to make sure there are no "hot spots" and to secure the site to ensure a clean site for the State Fire Marshal. The cause of the fire will not be known until the investigation is completed said Rydeen.

Rydeen said he called for "mutual aid" from Ketchikan Fire Department responding with one engine and approximately 6 personnel. He said he also requested "mutual aid" from North Tongass Volunteer Fire Department for man-power. Rehab Units from all three fire departments were on site. The Rehab Units for the firefighters they can be provided fluids and nutrition, keep them cool, so they can continue to work.

A neighbor living across the street, Cindy Himmelberger, said she was sitting with her daughter eating breakfast when she heard what sounded like three gun shoots. "I got up and looked out the window and behind my house I saw a mother hollering, her child crying, and watching her house burn." - More...
Friday PM - July 12, 2013

Ketchikan: Crowley Completes Acquisition of Anderes Oil in Ketchikan - Crowley’s petroleum distribution group (CPD Alaska LLC) completed its acquisition of Anderes Oil, a longtime, well-respected fuel company in Ketchikan on July 1. The Anderes family, after 50 years of serving Ketchikan, is leaving the oil business to pursue other interests.

Anderes Oil Company, Ketchikan
Photo courtesy Google Maps

“Congratulations to the entire team on reaching this milestone,” said Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager. “This is our first venture in the southeast Alaska market and we are very excited to be expanding into this region. I am confident that we will be successful in integrating this business into the Crowley family while continuing the tradition of great service to the community of Ketchikan.”

While ownership will be changing, little else will. The company will continue to provide great products and services under the Anderes name with its 20 employees, who will be welcomed as new members of the Crowley team.

“Anderes and Crowley have similar cultures and values emphasizing safety, environmental protection and customer service,” said Bob Cox, Crowley vice president. “Our goal is a seamless transition and supporting the fine employees of Anderes Oil going forward.”

Crowley was founded in 1892, when founder Thomas Crowley - the grandfather of current chairman, president and CEO Thomas B. Crowley Jr. - purchased an 18-foot Whitehall boat to provide transportation of personnel and supplies to ships anchored on San Francisco Bay. The present structure, in which Crowley Maritime Corporation serves as a holding company for business lines and all subsidiaries, was put in place in 1992. The company is wholly and privately owned by the Crowley family and Crowley employees. - More...
Friday PM - July 12, 2013

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