Jurors heard the first frantic 911 calls that alerted authorities to the start of the Sockeye wildfire as the trial for the couple accused of starting it continued Wednesday.
The calls outlined the time frame for the fire's start and also marked a tense moment for those gathered in the Palmer courtroom. Greg Imig, 61, and his wife, Amy DeWitt, 43, are each charged with a dozen counts related to starting the blaze, including second-degree negligent burning, failure to obtain a burn permit, burning without clearing the area, allowing the wildfire to spread and leaving the fire unattended.
The fire burned more than 7,000 acres and destroyed over 100 structures, including 55 homes. Located in a neighborhood of numerous sled dog mushers, the fire killed animals, including pets and sled dogs. The fire cost the state more than $8 million to fight.