KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - Two Cape Dorset men are in stable condition in Ottawa and Toronto burn units after a butane explosion on March 23.

Sgt. Jimmy Akavak, spokesperson for the RCMP, said the two men, 20 and 39 years old, were on the porch of their residence in the community at approximately 7 p.m. when the explosion happened. Police were called to the scene by the fire department.

"Further investigation found that two adult males had been ... sniffing butane and it exploded on them," Akavak said, adding the two men were allegedly sniffing butane when a heat source, said to be an element, ignited the explosion.

"Once these guys get better they will be interviewed and we will find out exactly what they were doing," Akavak said.

"No charges have been laid at this point and the file is still open."

The two men were transported from Cape Dorset to Iqaluit before being medevaced to the two burn units in the south.

Akavak said one man received burns to 40 per cent of the front of his body; the other man had burns to his hands and face.

The house sustained minor damage, mostly from smoke, said Akavak, and the fire department was able to put out the blaze promptly.

The fire department and the RCMP are warning that butane fuel canisters are highly flammable and under extreme pressure. Having these containers inside a residence is very dangerous and can be deadly.

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