Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 27/05) - Suspected arson brought firefighters to Stanton Territorial Hospital Wednesday night.

A roll of paper towel was set on fire in the hospital's main stairwell.

"It appeared to be deliberately set," said Yellowknife Deputy Fire Chief Darcy Hernblad.

The department received a call from the automatic smoke detector in the main stairwell at 8:27 p.m.

Engine Eight, a pumper truck, arrived at the hospital with three firefighters at 8:30 p.m. and was on the scene for 30 minutes.

Firefighter Dean Digeur found the paper towel with the help of a hospital maintenance worker. When Digeur arrived, the fire was already out, so no firefighting was needed.

The hospital followed its emergency plan, and every fire door in the building was closed.

Doors to the patient rooms were also closed, to slow the spread of smoke.