09/15/2026
UPDATE — September 16, 2026: This release has been updated to align with the U.S. Coast Guard’s revised public statement and to remove language characterizing the incident as a “pier and vessel fire.” The tour boat Klondike Express was moored at the pier with no passengers aboard at the time of the initial fire report. The vessel sustained fire damage and was released from the pier to reduce the spread of the fire. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
CITY OF WHITTIER PROVIDES UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 14 NORTH CRUISE TERMINAL FIRE
WHITTIER, Alaska — At approximately 10:56 a.m. AKDT on Monday, September 14, 2026, Whittier Fire & EMS responded to a fire at the north cruise terminal pier at the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier.
The tour boat Klondike Express was moored at the pier with no passengers aboard at the time of the initial fire report. The vessel sustained fire damage and was released from the pier to reduce the spread of the fire.
As the incident developed, the City requested mutual-aid assistance from regional fire and emergency response agencies. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, marine responders, dispatch centers, and state and federal partners coordinated a large-scale response by land and water.
No injuries were reported.
The Norwegian Jade, which was also berthed at the cruise terminal, safely departed the area without reported damage.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was temporarily closed to general traffic to prioritize emergency access to Whittier and later returned to normal operations.
The fire was extinguished early Tuesday morning. The origin and cause remain under investigation, and damage assessments are ongoing.
MULTI-AGENCY EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The City recognizes the extraordinary response of Whittier Fire & EMS, Whittier Police Department, Whittier Harbor, and Whittier Public Works, whose personnel responded immediately and continued working throughout the incident and into the early morning hours.
“Yesterday’s response demonstrated both the capability of our local team and the strength of Alaska’s mutual-aid system,” said Whittier City Manager Jackie Wilde. “I am extremely proud of Fire Chief Rob Mathis, Deputy Fire Chief Nic Cooley, Lieutenant Elijah Kirsch, Ross Carlson, Matthew Pese, Jacob Maxwell, and our entire City of Whittier team. Whittier operates with a small staff, but our personnel responded immediately, established and maintained command, recognized the need for additional resources, and requested mutual aid as the incident developed. They managed an extraordinary emergency with professionalism, sound judgment, and a clear focus on protecting lives and our community.”
The City extends its sincere gratitude to responding personnel from the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Fire Department, Anchorage Fire Department, Girdwood Fire Department, Moose Pass, Bear Creek, and Cooper Landing Emergency Services.
The City also recognizes the United States Coast Guard, including Coast Guard Station Valdez, and the crew of the Krystal Sea tug for their significant roles in the marine firefighting response. The Krystal Sea quickly moved into position and applied fire-suppression water streams while the Coast Guard worked from the opposite side, providing critical support to the land-based operation.
The City thanks the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for coordinating tunnel operations and emergency access; Valdez Dispatch and Soldotna Dispatch for communications support; and the National Weather Service for providing weather information during the response.
The City also thanks Lazy Otter Charters, local mariners and vessel operators, and the many Whittier businesses, organizations, residents, and individuals who provided equipment, food, water, transportation, facilities, supplies, and other assistance.
The USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee also contacted the City during the emergency and offered support.
“This response extended far beyond Whittier,” Wilde said. “Firefighters came through the tunnel, marine crews responded from the water, dispatchers coordinated resources, and businesses and agencies stepped forward to help. The City of Whittier is grateful to everyone who answered the call.”
The City recognizes that this release may not identify every individual or organization that assisted and extends its sincere appreciation to all who contributed.
USS TED STEVENS COMMISSIONING
The commissioning of the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) will proceed in Whittier as planned on October 3, 2026, at the Princess Cruises terminal.
For current commissioning information, visit usstedstevens.org.
The City will provide additional verified information regarding City operations, community impacts, and recovery efforts as appropriate.
