Karen Mackenzie
Northern News Services
Monday, July 30, 2007

ARCTIC BAY - Two families in Arctic Bay lost their homes to a blaze last week.

The duplex, which housed the Olayuks and Arnauyumayuqs, caught fire at around 2 p.m. on July 22.

Two families lost their homes when a fire destroyed a duplex in Arctic Bay on July 22. No one was hurt.

Although both families were there when it began, no one suffered any injuries.

The family nearest to where the flames originated noticed the danger right away, while the second family was initially asleep inside their home, according to RCMP Const. Aletha MacDonald.

"They were alerted because of a neighbour, Clare Kines, kicking in the door and waking them up," MacDonald said.

Kines recalled, "My son looked out the window, he's five years old, and he said there was a fire. It happened so quickly with the wind being the way it was - really strong, and in the absolute worst direction."

Kines, who owns a bed and breakfast next door, said he noticed two young men entering one side of the building and followed them in, but exited when they realized no one was left there.

After questioning the crowd gathered outside of the building, Kines realized the second family was still in their home, and proceeded inside to wake them up.

The blaze was likely started when a lit cigarette blew into a pile of cardboard boxes outside of the building, according to MacDonald.

The volunteer fire department, water truck drivers and a number of other Arctic Bay residents worked to put out the fire, and kept it from spreading to any other buildings, she said.

It took about two hours to get the flames under control, and "then there were hot spots that needed some attention," MacDonald said.

The hamlet is now busy organizing a fundraising effort.

A dance was planned for July 27, according to recreation co-ordinator Thomas Levi.

"All the proceeds will go toward the two families who lost everything," he said. "From what I hear they're not doing too good."

There are donation boxes in stores throughout the community for those who would like to contribute.

The families would also welcome donations of clothes, particularly in children's sizes, according to one resident.