Mat-Su

Hotel fire on Parks Highway near Wasilla extinguished

MEADOW LAKES -- Dozens of Mat-Su firefighters responded early Wednesday to a smoky electrical fire at a hotel, bar and grill on the Parks Highway west of Wasilla that took hours to extinguish but reportedly caused no injuries.

The popular destination for food, drinks, pool and karaoke was not a total loss, fire officers said at the scene.

Ken Barkley, deputy Mat-Su emergency services director, said crews were first called to the Silver Fox Inn at Mile 50 of the Parks at about 7 a.m.

More than 30 firefighters from West Lakes, Central Mat-Su and Houston fire departments were dispatched because, although the fire was initially reported in an outbuilding, commanders were concerned about its spread to the main, 80-foot-by-100-foot structure.

Barkley said the fire was under control shortly before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. A crew was en route to assess the damages and determine the exact cause of the fire, which residents first reported as electrical in nature.

"That's where the occupants said the fire was first seen, on the electrical box," Barkley said.

The owners tried to put out the fire before calling for help, according to West Lakes Battalion Chief James Keel. They were alerted by someone living in a room.

The smoke, water and structural damage caused $100,000 to $150,000 in losses, Keel said. The owners plan to rebuild, he said.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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