Suspected arson in Salluit

Four families are homeless after a fire at a four-plex in Salluit.

Kativik Regional Police Force and volunteer firemen responded to the fire at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday. The building was evacuated, and firefighters battled the fire for more than an hour.

The apartment block suffered heavy smoke and water damage, and according to Salluit’s town manager, Paulusi Saviadjuk, municipal workers will assess and repair the damage if possible.

With only four new social housing units built in Salluit this year, Saviadjuk said this week’s fire means the community won’t gain any new housing.

Late Tuesday, police had encountered an intoxicated woman who resided in one of the apartments.

The woman was arrested in conjunction with the fire, which police suspect was deliberately set.