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2 dead in house fire in Bethel

Emergency responders are seen in front of a home in Bethel's Trailer Court neighborhood where two people were found deceased after the home caught fire on April 20, 2026.
MaryCait Dolan
/
KYUK
Emergency responders are seen in front of a home in Bethel's Trailer Court neighborhood where two people were found deceased after the home caught fire on April 20, 2026.

Two people are dead after a fire engulfed a home in Bethel’s Trailer Court neighborhood late on the afternoon of April 20.

According to a press release from the Bethel Police Department, police and fire department personnel who responded at around 4:30 p.m. were unable to enter the residence due to “extreme heat, heavy smoke, and active flames.”

After the fire was extinguished, first responders found two people deceased inside. Bethel Police say their names will be publicly released once they’re identified and their next of kin have been notified.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be conducting an investigation into the fire.

This is a developing story and may be updated with additional information.

Updated: June 25, 2026 at 7:55 PM AKDT
According to a May 5 report from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the fatal fire occurred at 1651 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Trailer #135. A fire marshal investigation found the fire was likely accidental in nature and started in the arctic entryway of the home, possibly due to malfunctioning electrical devices.

One female, Bethel resident Cherith Amik, died in the fire. The male homeowner also died in the fire.

As of June 25, 2026, the Bethel Police Department has not been able to make contact with the man's relatives, and his name is being publicly withheld until next of kin are notified.
Evan Erickson is KYUK's news director. He has previously worked as a copy editor, audio engineer and freelance journalist.