Rankin Inlet (Feb 22/06) - An early morning fire accidentally set by a young boy has left a family homeless in Rankin Inlet.

The fire department received the initial call at about 3:20 a.m. on Feb. 14.

Rankin fire Chief Rick Penner said volunteer firefighters were on the scene at 110-23 Aivilik Street within 12 minutes of the call.

He said eight volunteers battled the blaze for more than two hours before the house collapsed and a loader signalled to tear it up.

"By that time the house was completely flat, and the tin roof sitting on top of everything was preventing us from doing anything further," said Penner.

"When you reach that stage, it's time to tear it apart, pile it up and keep it wet."

The fire was started by an eight-year-old boy with smoking materials in a bedroom of the large house.

There's believed to have been seven or eight people in the home, occupied by Meekalie Naulalik, Joe Kavik and family, at the time of the blaze.

Penner said it was a minor miracle nobody was seriously injured.

He said a smoke detector alerted adults to the fire, but unfortunately, windows were opened to let the smoke out.

The fresh air fuelled the flames out of control.

The home's interior finish was wood panelling, which also contributed to the speed and intensity of the fire.

"Somebody was looking out for us because a number of things went right to prevent anyone from being seriously injured, or worse.

"We had two firefighters inside the home on a defensive attack, but we encountered some issues that caused us to retreat and come up with a secondary plan.

"Then, just as our second truck was pulling up, the front of the house blew out.

"The explosion was caused by a small propane cylinder used for a hand torch and an unknown quantity of small-calibre ammunition.

"Luckily, everyone was back far enough and didn't get hit with any of the debris."

Initial estimates put the value of the home at about $180,000.

As of press time, no value had been placed on the family's belongings.

Two firefighters were treated at the Rankin Inlet Regional Health Centre for exhaustion and released.