FAIRBANKS - The home of longtime North Pole business Hector's Welding was destroyed in a fire early Wednesday morning, the North Pole Fire Department said.
The Fire Department responded to the blaze just after 4 a.m. to find the commercial structure, which was used as a welding and fabrication shop, engulfed in flames.
There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is unknown and under review, North Pole Fire Chief Geoff Coon said.
"It was significantly involved when we got there and this was a defensive operation. We mostly put it out with exterior lines and our ladder truck," he said. "We were still flowing water probably at about 10 o'clock this morning. It was a long process."
Crews were able to limit the damage to equipment and saved office documents and computers. Due to the extent of the fire and the size of the structure, the Alaska State Fire Marshal is expected to assist in the investigation.
Hector's Welding has been in business in the North Pole area since 1956 and is located on Finell Drive off the Richardson Highway.
The North Star Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Wainwright Fire Department, city of Fairbanks Fire Department and Red Cross also responded to the fire.
Contact staff writer Matt Buxton at 459-7544. Follow him on Twitter: @FDNMpolitics.
