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RCMP investigating Iglulik Co-op fire as suspicious

NNSL News

The RCMP have deemed the fire that destroyed the Iglulik Co-op suspicious.

Firefighters tackle the flames from the Iglulik Co-op on Jan. 20. A crew of firefighters was dispatched from Iqaluit to provide backup to the local emergency personnel, some of whom spent 17 hours combatting the blaze.
photos courtesy of Steve Qaatani Sarpinak

The police have been working closely with the Office of the Fire Marshall in investigating the cause of the fire, which required emergency responders to scramble at approximately 3:45 a.m on Jan 20. The fight to extinguish the intense blaze lasted throughout the day.

The Mounties had initially indicated that the fire was not suspicious in nature, but that changed as of late Friday afternoon.

RCMP are seeking information from the public that could help them resolve the case. Anyone with tips can call 867-979-1111 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Community members can also text a tip to Crime Stoppers securely and anonymously. Text NWTNUTIPS plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

A GoFundMe fundraiser had raised close to $29,000 as of Friday afternoon to assist the local food bank. The goal is $100,000.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced a $10,000 donation to the community's food bank on Friday.

"The disruption to the food supply chain in Igloolik is a threat to community health, especially given the continued risk of Covid-19 in Nunavut. QIA’s donation will help Inuit impacted by the fire receive adequate nutrition," the regional Inuit organization stated in a Friday news release.

The RCMP now believe a fire that razed that Iglulik Co-op is suspicious. An investigation into the incident continues.