Karen Mackenzie
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 10, 2007

IQALUIT - Arson is the likely cause of a fire that consumed an abandoned house in Apex on Aug. 29.

The building was not connected to any electrical sources or heat, "so short of spontaneous combustion, it was started intentionally," said acting Iqaluit fire Chief Walter Oliver.

Firefighters responded to a call around 1 a.m. to house 3278 in Apex. The bulk of the blaze was under control within two hours. No one was hurt, and the fire was contained to the site. As with most cases of arson, very little information and no witnesses have come forth, he said.

"It's difficult with arson ... most evidence is destroyed in the fire," Oliver said last week. "I've seen arson go to prosecution in this town maybe once, twice (since 1996)."

Owner Madeleine Redfern said a friend surprised her with the news the morning after.

"A friend of mine called and woke me up saying, 'Did you know your house burnt down?' At first I was just lying there thinking, 'But I'm in my house,' until he explained it was the one in Apex," Redfern said.

She said she planned to have the burnt shell quickly demolished.

"I'm just thankful that no one got hurt. But that's what can happen with unused properties. At least (they) didn't burn down the church or the school or any properties that are actually being used," she said.

The house has been empty for more than six years, and was uninhabitable when she purchased it, she said, adding that the property will be redeveloped in the future.