The Alaska State Fire Marshal shut down a Homer wedding venue this week and summoned the owner to a court hearing. The state first investigated the AK Diamond J Ranch back in March and found at least two properties on the site that were built or changed without state Fire Marshal approval, according to a press release. On its website, Diamond Ranch says it offers a home, barn and pavilion for lodging and events. The Fire Marshal ordered its owner, Billy Jones, to stop work on the buildings and banned anyone from occupying them.
But in a follow-up investigation Tuesday, the Fire Marshal found the buildings on Perkins Road were still being used for business. The Fire Marshal along with local law enforcement posted a closed sign at the property, warning visitors that the buildings were unsafe to occupy. The Fire Marshal summoned Jones on Wednesday for violating plan review regulations and work orders.