09/17/2026
A Message from the Borough Manager, Mason Villarma -
The Mayor and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible response of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department to the Marine Bar structure fire on September 15.
First and foremost, our hearts go out to the owners, employees, and everyone in our community who has a connection to the Marine Bar. It has been a longstanding part of Wrangell, and we know this loss is deeply felt by many.
At the same time, we could not be more proud of our volunteer firefighters. Their response to one of the largest structure fires Wrangell has experienced in decades was remarkable. They demonstrated professionalism, leadership, composure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting this community.
We also want to thank the many Borough employees who stepped up in support of the response, whether that meant shutting off power to the site, managing the water system, securing the area, protecting nearby residents, or providing the many other forms of support needed during an emergency of this scale.
Moments like this remind us what makes Wrangell so special. When our community is faced with difficult circumstances, people show up for one another. They step forward, work together, and do whatever is needed to protect their neighbors.
To the members of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, and to every Borough employee who played a role in the response, the Mayor and I simply want to say thank you. We are incredibly proud of you and grateful for your service to Wrangell.
Those that actively participated in the response are:
Chief Jordan Buness
Asst Chief Zach Taylor
Deputy Chief Tim Buness
Deputy Asst Chief Terry Buness
Captain John Taylor
Captain Clay Hammer
Captain Scott McAuliffe
Lieutenant Aaron Powell
Lieutenant Dustin Johnson
Bella Crowley
John Buness
Devyn Johnson
Nigel Ouslan
Brian Schwartz
Loni Buness
Lorne Cook
Seyon Williams
Matt Nore
Chris Buness
Jacob Allen
Matt Gillen
Leslie Friedlob
DJ McConachie
Jr FF Ellee Voltz
Jr FF Brody Hommel
Jr FF Carter Hammer
Jr FF Stella Buness
"Reserve" Member, Tom Sims (retired Lieutenant)
A Message from the Borough Manager, Mason Villarma -
The Mayor and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible response of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department to the Marine Bar structure fire on September 15.
First and foremost, our hearts go out to the owners, employees, and everyone in our community who has a connection to the Marine Bar. It has been a longstanding part of Wrangell, and we know this loss is deeply felt by many.
At the same time, we could not be more proud of our volunteer firefighters. Their response to one of the largest structure fires Wrangell has experienced in decades was remarkable. They demonstrated professionalism, leadership, composure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting this community.
We also want to thank the many Borough employees who stepped up in support of the response, whether that meant shutting off power to the site, managing the water system, securing the area, protecting nearby residents, or providing the many other forms of support needed during an emergency of this scale.
Moments like this remind us what makes Wrangell so special. When our community is faced with difficult circumstances, people show up for one another. They step forward, work together, and do whatever is needed to protect their neighbors.
To the members of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, and to every Borough employee who played a role in the response, the Mayor and I simply want to say thank you. We are incredibly proud of you and grateful for your service to Wrangell.
Those that actively participated in the response are:
Chief Jordan Buness
Asst Chief Zach Taylor
Deputy Chief Tim Buness
Deputy Asst Chief Terry Buness
Captain John Taylor
Captain Clay Hammer
Captain Scott McAuliffe
Lieutenant Aaron Powell
Lieutenant Dustin Johnson
Bella Crowley
John Buness
Devyn Johnson
Nigel Ouslan
Brian Schwartz
Loni Buness
Lorne Cook
Seyon Williams
Matt Nore
Chris Buness
Jacob Allen
Matt Gillen
Leslie Friedlob
DJ McConachie
Jr FF Ellee Voltz
Jr FF Brody Hommel
Jr FF Carter Hammer
Jr FF Stella Buness
"Reserve" Member, Tom Sims (retired Lieutenant)
