Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 07, 2008

INUVIK - A trailer fire on Friday night claimed the life of a local man.

Witnesses say the fire started around 7 p.m. at 12 Balsom trailer court, with firefighters responding shortly after.

Charles Noksana, 45, was found inside the burning building. He was brought to the Inuvik Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Assistant fire marshal Greg Zimmerman said the fire appears to be accidental.

"It looks like the cause of the fire was a cigarette in the front room," said Zimmerman.

Neighbour Kelly Bullock was at home playing bingo when she first noticed the blaze.

"I heard something and looked outside. I saw the windows explode and smoke poured out," she said.

Bullock said she was not asked to leave her adjacent dwelling and stayed inside during the incident.

After the fire was put out, Bullock said she was approached by the RCMP, who were looking for any additional information about the fire.

Zimmerman could not provide details about the time the fire was reported or the number of firefighters on the scene.

Fire Chief Al German was first on the scene but could not be reached for comment before press time.