Yellowknife RCMP investigating suspicious fire at local church

July 2, 2021
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

News release

Yellowknife RCMP were called to attend the scene of a fire at a local church. RCMP were on scene at approximately 12:30 am on July 1.

City of Yellowknife Fire Division attended and suppressed the fire. The building sustained minor damage. No one was injured.

Yellowknife RCMP, NT RCMP Police Dog Services and Forensic Identification Services attended and began an investigation.

RCMP are investigating along with the Office of the Fire Marshall for the Northwest Territories. At this time, the investigation is in its infancy, and there has been no determination regarding the cause of the fire.

Due to the damage done to other religious buildings across the country, the RCMP is treating this fire as suspicious in nature and have started a criminal investigation.

RCMP are asking the public to assist with any potential observation of activity preceding 12:30 am, or just after, in the area of 52nd St and 52nd Ave. RCMP are seeking any potential video coverage from people in the area including dash cams in vehicles that passed through the area at that time, home security camera footage and any video's taken on a smart phone.

"We are all aware of the tragedy of the residential school system, unfolding across our country. This incident is concerning for our community in Yellowknife. We must be clear, acts of vandalism are criminal acts and those who endanger life and property will be held accountable by law" states Insp Dyson Smith, Yellowknife RCMP Commander.

If you have information about this incident, please call Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or text "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637.

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Contact information

Marie York-Condon
Media Relations Officer
Northwest Territories RCMP – Yellowknife, NT

RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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