Inuvik (Sep 12/03) - Police believe a fire that destroyed a small building may have been intentionally set.

Firefighters were called to extinguish a fire on Ptarmigan Road last Saturday about 7 p.m.

Cpl. Brian Anderson of the Inuvik RCMP said they are treating the fire as suspicious.

"There is some indication that it may have been set by a young child," Anderson said. "We don't know the method or anything beyond that right now."

Police are still investigating the fire.

Fire Chief Al German said crews had little trouble extinguishing the blazing clubhouse but they did have trouble getting through traffic.

"People were stopped dead at the four way stop signs and we couldn't get through," German said.

He said the building was totally destroyed as well as the satellite dish that was on the roof.

"It could have been a lot worse; it could have jumped to the main house."

He also credits Mario Lemieux, who lives nearby, with his initial attack of the fire.

"He was first on the scene and was trying to put it out with a garden hose," German said.

"He knows what it feels like to be chief, because he said, 'It felt like it was forever until you guys showed up.'"

The fire department responded within four minutes of the call.

"When you're waiting for someone to show up, it always seems like a long time," German said.