Ruth Ann’s restaurant, a Craig landmark, burned down early Thursday morning. According to a press release issued by Craig Police, the fire was first reported at about 2:40 am. Fire personnel responded within minutes and found the building completely engulfed in flames. The building and others nearby were safely evacuated.
Craig City Manager Jon Bolling said Ruth Ann’s was significant not only to the people of Craig but also visitors.
“It’s probably not an exaggeration to say it was a Craig landmark. When people thought of going to Craig and going out to dinner, Ruth Ann’s was usually the first thing that came to people’s minds,” Bolling said.
“It’s a loss of quite a few jobs for the folks that worked there. Like any landmark in a community, especially a small community like this, destroyed unexpectedly, it’s probably fair to say it’s a shock.”
Crews from the Craig and Klawock Fire Departments responded and were continuing to monitor smoldering and hot spots early Thursday afternoon. Nearby buildings received little damage and are structurally sound.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire chief R.J. Ely said no criminal actions are suspected.
