East Point Fire - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

East Point Fire
May 7, 2014

At this hour, the Unalaska Fire Department continues to fight the fire at the warehouse at East Point and hopes to have it contained by this evening.  Once it is safe for firefighters to enter the building, they will address any remaining hotspots and secure the building.  In their attempt to suppress the fire, firefighters are using a foam retardant, the run-off of which is visible in the bay.  The local Marine Safety Detachment and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation have both been informed of the use of the foam retardant, and have access to the Material Safety Data Sheets.

Approximately 75% of the warehouse was filled with pallets and fiber, and the remaining portion of the warehouse contained fishing gear and supplies.  Between twelve and fifteen firefighters are currently working five lines in an attempt to suppress the fire.  Early this afternoon, City of Unalaska’s Department of Public Works sent heavy equipment to assist in pulling back some of the aluminum siding to gain better access on the southeast side of the warehouse.  As a precautionary step, the Pacific Stevedoring bunkhouse has been evacuated.  No injuries or fatalities have been reported.  The State Fire Marshall is planning on being on scene tomorrow.

Contact:
Patrick Jordan, Acting City Manager
(907) 581-1251