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Updated: Fire crews battle blaze at Yellowknife Catholic Schools building

Fire crews battled a blaze at the Yellowknife Catholic Schools Board Office on 49 Street early Thursday morning.
The Yellowknife Fire Division responded to a call just before 1 a.m., with a “full group alert” being issued.

Crews attending the scene did not initially observe smoke or flames, but a tenant, living on the building’s upper level, reported smoke in her apartment.

Smoke was soon seen billowing from the roof-line during an on-scene inspection.

Several responders entered the building, as thick smoke billowed from the top floor’s windows. A ladder was used to access one of the higher floors.

The building's top floor consists of six school board offices and two apartment units. The source of the smoke came from the office side of the floor.

There were no reports of injuries.

By 2 a.m., most of the smoke had dissipated. A total of 18 fire personnel were on site for two hours and 49 minutes until the fire was completely extinguished.

Brendan Burke/NNSL photo. The cause of Thursday morning's fire at the Yellowknife Catholic School Board Office remains undetermined. Crews were on scene at the 49 Street building for nearly three hours before the blaze was completely extinguished.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The NWT office of the fire marshal has been contacted to launch an investigation into Thursday’s blaze.

Yellowknife Catholic Schools superintendent Claudia Parker told Yellowknifer the blaze left “extensive damages”on the upper floor.

Parker confirmed the source of the fire had come from office side of the upper floor.

“The smoke had carried over. There's definitely smoke damage to deal with in the apartments,” she said.
With the fire marshal set to carry out an investigation Friday, board office staff have temporarily relocated to St. Patrick's High School.

“We're looking at options in regards to offices to lease beginning April 1,” said Parker.

The extent of the damages, she said, dictates when staff can return to the 49 Street building.

Parker said she couldn't put a dollar figure on damages until the board's insurance company carries out an assessment.

“We expect a report from them at the beginning of next week,” said Parker. “Business will continue as usual.”

Look to old.nnsl.com for updates as they are made available.