Homeowner dies as fire destroys home in Naknek

A Naknek resident died in a house fire Monday morning, according to the Bristol Bay Borough police.

Firefighters were called to Mile 4.5 of the Alaska Peninsula Highway around 9 a.m. as flames were consuming a single-story home, said Chief John Rhyshek.

First responders talked to neighbors and learned the homeowner was unaccounted for. Rhyshek said human remains were found around noon when the fire had been extinguished.

The body has been sent to the state medical examiner’s office for positive identification.

It’s unclear what caused the fire, Rhyshek said, but foul play is not suspected. The home was a complete loss.

Two deputy fire marshals flew to Naknek in a state aircraft to help with the investigation, troopers said in an online statement.

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