Fire destroys Aupaluk arena

A fire at Aupaluk’s arena last Sunday left part of the building a cold, burnt-out shell, with no electricity.

Damage from the blaze has left the tiny community of 160 without access to television or outside radio broadcasts as its cable system burned to a crisp during the day-long fire, which, due to its location in the middle of the building, was fought with great difficulty by the local fire department.

The arena’s changing room was also destroyed by fire, leaving the arena unusable.

The arena surface and a small room containing the Zamboni were not damaged and can be used once electrical repairs have been carried out.

The circumstances around the fire are still under investigation, but police believe arson was involved and several youth were likely responsible for causing the fire.