GN scales back response to Kugaaruk dump fire

The Government of Nunavut has scaled back its response to a fire in Kugaaruk’s landfill.

The fire — which had burned on and off for more than a month — reignited July 29 and by the next day had spread across the landfill, prompting the hamlet to contact Nunavut Emergency Management for support.

Three City of Iqaluit firefighters and a deputy fire marshal from the Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office who flew in to assist the community have since left, the Department of Community Services said in a news release Thursday.

But the response is not over.

Nunavut Emergency Management is still working with Kugaaruk staff and public health officials to help the hamlet suppress what’s left of the fire, the release said.

“[Nunavut Emergency Management] extends its sincere gratitude to Kugaaruk’s first responders and municipal staff for their ongoing efforts and also wishes to thank the City of Iqaluit for its generous assistance in providing essential firefighting personnel during this critical response period,” the news release said.