Two Bodies Recovered After Residential Fire

4:00PM UPDATE: Shortly after 1:00PM on December 23rd, 2021 two bodies were recovered after a residential fire in Liberty Township. The victims were transported to the medical examiner’s office for autopsy and identification. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no further details will be released at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

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10:45AM UPDATE: The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office remains on scene of a residential fire in Liberty Township. Assisting the Sheriff’s Office are three investigators from the Minnesota Fire Marshall’s Office and the Bemidji Fire Department. Forty-five firefighters with sixteen fire apparatus, Shevlin Fire Department, Blackduck Fire Department, Solway Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance and the Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the scene. Emergency personnel continue to work the scene, attempting to locate possible victims.

This is an active investigation and no further information is available at this time.

Liberty Township, Bemidji, MN –December 23, 2021: This morning at approximately 6:12 AM, the Beltrami County 911 Center received a call of a residential fire in the 9000 block of Pony Lake Rd NW in Liberty Township which is located approximately 13 miles northwest of Bemidji. Beltrami County Deputies, Bemidji Fire Department and Solway Fire Department responded and are currently on scene. The second floor of the two story structure was fully engulfed upon the first units arriving on scene. The State Fire Marshal is in route to the location.

Initial reports indicate that two children residing in the residence were unaccounted for.

This is an active investigation and no further information will be available at this time regarding the identity of the persons involved.

When further information is available it will be released.

Sheriff Ernie Beitel

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office