The Yellowknife Fire Department is currently battling a fire at the Garden Townhomes building within the community.
At approximately 8:52 a.m. on October 21, the City of Yellowknife Fire Division received a report of a fire and visible flames from the Garden Townhomes building located at 5605-50th Avenue. Traffic along Franklin Avenue is currently being redirected down Matonabee Street away from the area. Several fire trucks and ambulances have been seen at the sight of the fire.
(Photo taken by Matt Halliday)
UPDATE:
Yellowknife RCMP Cpl. Matt Halstead shared more details, stating that the RCMP assisted with clearing the structure as well as traffic control, and that no injuries were reported to emergency crews. All residents of the building are accounted for. Halstead added that the units directly touched by the fire are no longer livable, and the total number of units affected are not yet known.
The YKFD will remain on scene throughout the day to ensure there are no flare ups while they wait for an inspector to come from the Office of the Fire Marshal who will investigate the cause of the fire. If the investigation determines that the fire was started intentionally, then the RCMP will provide their assistance in finding those who are responsible. If the fire was the result of an accident, then the Fire Marshal’s office and the YKFD will lead the investigation.
The owner of the building has made arrangements to house the people who have been displaced by the fire.
