YK to welcome new fire chief in fall

The city of Yellowknife announced that Jason Arns will be joining the fire department as the newly appointed fire chief this September.

In the announcement yesterday, officials cited Arns’ experience and knowledge across over two decades of experience in protective services.  Arns is anticipated to bring expertise in fire services, emergency management, and public safety, as well as his leadership vision to the role.

City officials including city Mayor Ben Hendriksen reflected on the ways the Arns’ years of service will help to strengthen community safety.

“On behalf of City Council, we are pleased the City has attracted such an accomplished and experienced leader. Jason Arns brings a strong background in emergency services, training, and personnel safety. His appointment underscores our ongoing commitment to public safety and service excellence,” said Mayor Hendriksen.

Officials noted the timing of the new chief’s entrance as significant in capacity building efforts.

“I want to sincerely thank Deputy Fire Chief Rob Andrews for his leadership and service as Acting Fire Chief during this transition. Jason joins us at the right time, with the right experience to enhance the capacity and capability of an already dedicated team,” said Craig MacLean, city director of Public Safety.

The incoming fire chief said he is looking forward to taking on the role and contributing to critical work of leadership within the city.

“Yellowknife is a remarkable community. I am eager to work with my team, senior management, the Mayor, and Council to bring my best to the capital of the Northwest Territories,” said incoming Fire Chief, Jason Arns

Lisa Iesse
Lisa Iesse
Growing up in Toronto’s west end, Lisa always dreamed of making her way to the land of the midnight sun. She studied literature and sociology at the University of Toronto and has worked with media outlets in Ontario, the N.W.T., Six Nations and the U.K. Have a tip or something to share? Reach her anytime at 647-619-9807 or [email protected]

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

“Abrimot are everywhere” in Yellowknife’s Mots dans la taïga: In pictures

Festival de poésie arctique Mots dans la taïga at École Allain St-Cyr returned to Yellowknife this week. The "Boreal magic"  of the poetic trail is a space of living language and transformation. More than one hundred students created the hundreds of abrimots that are on the ground, in the trees and tucked into hideaway corners of the snowbanks along the trail. Students from Yukon also contributed along with community members from across the North.

Mackenzie Valley Winter Road: Wrigley – Délı̨nę Junction closes for season

GNWT's Department of Infrastructure has closed the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road: Wrigley - Délı̨nę Junction. On Wednesday afternoon, the Edzo-Rae Ice Road saw a planned seasonal closure. The planned closure was announced earlier this week and is part of seasonal changes that will also see the Dettah Ice Road close later this month.

“Souffle de Vie/Breath of Life” takes people’s choice for Snowkings’ 10th Symposium

Quebec/NWT team, the Fjord Witches - Ragadass has done it again, offiically capturing the hearts of Snowkings' Symposium voters with their breathtaking snow sculpture “Souffle de vie/ Breath of Life.” The team takes the top spot of this year’s Snow Carving Symposium Peoples’ Choice awards. 

The Annual Great Ptarmi Hunt returns to Yellowknife this weekend

Yellowknifers are gearing up for the Great Ptarmi Hunt this weekend on the Frame Lake trail.  As one longtime Yellowknifer Andrew Brohart put it, ptarmis are pint-sized plush ptarmigans—”Yellowknife’s very own twist on the Easter egg hunt.” “100 Ptarmis will be hidden along the Framelake Trail from the Pool to the Legislative Assembly,” said organizers. 

Folk on the Rocks releases second wave of artists for 2026 festival

The second wave of artists for this year’s Folk on the Rocks Festival has been released. The greatest party under the midnight sun is once again bringing together artists from across the North and beyond to deliver their most dynamic festival yet. With performances spanning genres from hip-hop, rock, folk, RnB, to electronica, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival.