The historic Motherlode Lodge in Hatcher Pass was engulfed in flames Friday evening, and firefighters were letting the building burn because it was outside any fire service area.
The Motherlode is "probably a total loss," said Norm McDonald, fire management officer for the Alaska Division of Forestry in Palmer. Two forestry engines responded, but only to make sure no surrounding areas burned. There's still enough snow in the area that fire spreading to nearby grass or trees wasn't an issue, McDonald said.
Forestry crews were concentrating on traffic control Friday night as they watched flames consume the beloved local institution, home to events like weekly jazz nights and weddings.
"There's a lot of memories in that place," he said.