Fire destroys two homes in Northland trailer park
Second fire in a week leaves seven people homeless; no one hurt as investigators look for cause
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Udated Wednesday, July 5, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
"Come on, guys," a homeowner urged firefighters as he watched flames lick his home on Norseman Drive in Northland Trailer Park Monday afternoon.
Two firefighters spray water on a massive fire that destroyed two homes in Northland Trailer Park Monday afternoon. No one was hurt when flames broke out at the trailers on Norseman Drive. It was the second major house fire in the city in a week. No cause has been determined. - John McFadden/NNSL photo |
The man asked that his name not be used as he anxiously watched the raging fire. In the end, fire crews were able to save his home but two other trailers were lost in Yellowknife's second major house fire in a week.
The fire destroyed two homes, one at 439 Norseman, the other next door at 441. No one was hurt and an official cause has yet to be determined.
Two cats were rescued from 431, while the Rivera family, who live at 441, were able to escape unharmed along with their two dogs.
The fire raged as dozens of people watched from behind yellow police tape as flames, fanned by high winds, consumed the two trailers.
Neighbours with homes on both sides of the fire as well as behind it looked on anxiously hoping and praying that firefighters could contain it to the two units.
Gina Rivera watched the fire from the safety of her neighbour's front porch across the street.
She said she, her husband and their three adult children had lived in the home for more than 15 years. Rivera added the fire spread very quickly.
"I came out of the washroom but I didn't really know what was happening," said Rivera.
"I thought there was trouble in the street. I looked out the window and the guy was pounding on it telling us to get out. So I just went out and I saw the fire. I don't really know how I feel. I am in shock."
Gina said she was concerned for her husband, Danilo Rivera, because he had just received a pacemaker and was feeling some discomfort as he watched the fire.
Paramedics checked him over at the scene, but it was unclear whether he went to hospital.
Neighbours also said the couple in the other unit had just moved in and were away on vacation. Nobody knew their names.
They added someone was able to get their two cats out of the home and was taking care of them.
The fire started in a pile of garbage left between the two units, according to a neighbour who lives two doors down from the fire. He only identified himself as Mike.
"I was working outside on my bike when two guys came running up the street and said they saw a fire," he said.
"I ran over and I saw a big pile of garbage between the two houses and it was on fire."
He said he and the two men began banging on the door.
"There were two people inside - they didn't know the house was on fire, so I told them to get out," he said.
"Another neighbour and myself - we helped them and their dogs get out. Then we checked the bedrooms. The fire actually wasn't inside the house just yet.
"I'm not a hero. I was just being neighbourly."
Several explosions, believed to have come from propane tanks stored on the properties, were heard as the fire raged.
According to a news release from the city, the call came in just after 2 p.m. and the fire department responded with a pumper/aerial truck, an ambulance and 18 personnel.
Heavy smoke and fire was coming from the trailers when crews arrived, and a full group alert was initiated as off-duty firefighters and equipment were called in, the news release said.
"High gusting winds at the time were driving the fire towards adjacent units on Norseman (Drive) and Catalina (Drive). Due to heavy fire and smoke conditions, a defensive operation was established," the city stated.
"Fire crews were able to prevent the spread of fire to the exposed units and confine the fire to the two involved structures. Once the fire was confined, fire crews were able to bring it under control."
The cause of the fire is undetermined and has been turned over the GNWT Office of the Fire Marshall for investigation. No dollar loss value has been determined, stated the city.
A Go Fund Me campaign is under way for the Rivera family.
The Philippine Association of Yellowknife is also pitching in to help. A message from the association states that donations of clothing, food, and money can be dropped off at 26 Bourque Drive.
A fire one week ago Monday destroyed three townhouses on Ward Crescent near Walmart.
A cause for that fire has also yet to be determined.
