Structure Fire on Fifth Avenue

The Bethel Fire and Police Departments responded to 548 Fifth Avenue for a report of a structure fire at 11:21 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke and fire emitting from a vacant trailer home. Bystanders and Bethel Police Officers confirmed there were no people inside the structure. Firefighters deployed fire hoses to initiate fire suppression and requested additional firefighters, water trucks, and AVEC to respond to the scene.

Shortly after initiating fire suppression operations, an overhead powerline was discovered to have been burned through and arcing on the ground under the rear of the trailer home. Due to responder safety concerns with possible electrocution, firefighters discontinued spraying water until AVEC linemen disconnected the power line from the pole.

There was a third-party report of a possible victim inside the structure, but it was determined to have been unfounded. No victims were located during the search of the structure. The fire was extinguished. Firefighters gathered equipment and hoses and returned to quarters. The cause of the fire is under investigation and is currently undetermined.

The department would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Public Works Hauled Utility Drivers, AVEC Linemen, and community members for supporting our first responders. If anyone is interested in becoming a Volunteer Firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician, please stop by the fire station, located at 320 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, AK 99559, or call (907) 543-2131.

For questions, comments, or to submit any additional information regarding this incident, please contact Bethel Police Department Investigator Smith at (907) 543-3781 and reference CFS #2209387.