An early-morning fire in Iglulik on Wednesday has seen the community's arena lost.
The fire was first reported to the Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office (NFMO) at approximately 3:30 a.m. to report an active fire at the arena site, according to a spokesperson with the Department of Community and Government Services. Ten members of the community's fire department were dispatched to the scene, but by 6:30 a.m., it was determined that the fire would result in a 'total asset loss', meaning it was gone.
Firefighters then moved into a containment position to stop the flames from spreading and destroy other property in the area, including those belonging to Qulliq Energy.
Two firefighters were taken to the local health centre with suspected smoke inhalation, the release added.
There was a request from the hamlet to the NFMO for help and Iqaluit Fire Department was preparing to send four of its members to the community, but a winter storm in the city prevented their plane from taking off.
The fire was still reported as burning by 5 p.m. EST, but it was deemed under control.
The hamlet has set up a warming centre for residents who had to evacuate due to smoke coming from the fire and the Department of Health has also evacuated the health centre due to the smoke.
The NFMO is working with the RCMP to determine the cause of the fire. We'll have more information as soon as it comes in.
