Anchorage residents plead not guilty to Sockeye Fire charges

The two Anchorage residents accused of starting the Sockeye Fire last month pleaded not guilty, according to court documents. Greg Imig and Amy Dewitt are each charged with eight misdemeanors connected to the fire. The charges include burning without a permit, allowing the fire to escape, negligent burning, failing to clear the burn area, leaving the fire unattended, and three counts of reckless endangerment. The Sockeye Fire reached a size of approximately 7,220 acres and destroyed fifty-five homes before it was contained by firefighters.

In an affidavit filed earlier this month, fire investigator Thomas Greiling (GREE-ling) says the fire spread from an unattended pile of smoldering debris spread to nearby forested land. According to the affidavit, Imig, Dewitt, and Dewitt’s juvenile son left the property after the fire started. Greiling says Dewitt told him that she called 911 before leaving, but did not provide an exact location or cause for the fire.

An arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday, but both Dewitt and Imig filed waivers for the hearing, as well as paperwork allowing hearings in their absence.

Assistant District Attorney John Cagle says the DA’s office is currently attempting to contact victims of the Sockeye Fire to determine how much restitution to seek.

Attorneys for Greg Imig and Amy Dewitt did not respond to a request for comment.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 21st.