During the early morning hours of Friday, the community of Kivalina awoke to a fire raging at the Kivalina Store, the only store in the community.

It is estimated that the fire at the store took place at approximately 1:30 am this morning. By the time that the Kivalina Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at shortly after 2 am this morning, the structure was fully engulfed.

Because the fire had reached such an advanced stage, the decision was made to keep the fire contained to the one structure and to protect structures nearby which included the teacher’s housing that is located just 50 feet from the store.

One firefighter was injured in the fire, according to Colleen Swan. That firefighter inhaled fire retardant and that person was medevaced as a precautionary measure..

According to Colleen Swan of Kivalina, “Everything edible and all items relating to basic needs were in the burning store and went up in flames.” Swan continued, saying, the community had been in contact with other communities in the area and that “Point Hope, Noatak, and Barrow would help with the more important items for babies and elders.”

Swan also reported that “The store manager is currently looking for an alternate location in the community for the store.”

The community is working on a way to get needed supplies into the village.

All members of the community are accounted for, but the building is a complete loss.

Alaska State Troopers from Kotzebue and a Northwest Borough Village Safety Officer along with investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire. There are no current estimates as to the damage and lost merchandise costs as yet.

Any donations to the community are welcome. For information on assistance needed, persons can call 907-645-2137. Any donations can be sent to City of Kivalina at P.O. Box 50079.

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