Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Nov 18/02) - A Kugluktuk resident is lucky to be alive following a cabin fire that occurred outside the community Nov. 10.

Christopher Kamingoak, 26, sustained second and third-degree burns to his face, hands, legs and feet after he poured naphtha gas onto a fire in the cabin's wood stove.

RCMP Const. Phil Reddy said alcohol is believed to be a factor.

"The fire was already going in the wood stove. According to the gentleman (Kamingoak), the fire wasn't going good enough," explained Reddy.

Wilma Pigalak, 37, the owner of the cabin, left Kamingoak inside as she went to collect wood.

While outside the building, she heard an explosion and turned to see Kamingoak come out of the cabin engulfed in flames.

"He came out, stopping, dropping and rolling and put the fire out," said Reddy.

Kamingoak then drove himself and Pigalak 10 kilometres by snowmobile back to the community nursing station.

Reddy said Kamingoak was burned, but still conscious.

"He was coherent. He could talk, but his face was blistering, his moustache was singed off and his eyes were swollen shut," said Reddy.

Kamingoak was medevaced to Edmonton to be treated for his burns.

The cabin was completely destroyed by the fire.