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Two injured in shed fire
Herb Mathisen Northern News Services Published Monday, September 1, 2008
Two people inside the shed were using a Coleman stove for heat, when some clothing or bedding got too close and lit on fire, said Chris Wilson, deputy fire chief in Iqaluit. Two RCMP officers on patrol noticed smoke coming from the shed in the rear of house 407 around 3 a.m. and rang dispatch for an ambulance and fire crews, said RCMP Sgt. Kim Melenchuk. Two individuals inside the shed were injured in the blaze. RCMP officers on scene found Asheva Geetah lying in the porch with obvious burn injuries to her face, said Melenchuk. "The male occupant, Iola Audlakiak, who was outside with a fire extinguisher, had burns on his head and hands," said Melenchuk. Wilson described the extent of the injuries to the individuals, although, due to privacy issues, could not identify who sustained which injury. "One (individual) received first-degree burns to approximately five per cent of their body," said Wilson. "The other had second-degree burns on 30 per cent of their body." Both individuals were taken to Qikiqtani General Hospital for treatment. RCMP officers removed the two residents inside house 407. Fire crews responded with both fire engine and ladder trucks, extinguishing the flaming shed and containing the fire from the neighbouring house. "The shed was destroyed," said Wilson, who added the house next door received exposure damage, as heat from the shed ignited the upper portion of the house. "We had to remove some of the material or siding on the house to make sure the fire had not spread," said Wilson. Damages to the house are estimated at approximately $5,000, said Wilson. The fire's cause was accidental and was not alcohol-related. "Our file is concluded because there is no evidence of foul play or any suspect in wrongdoing," said Melenchuk.
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