Fire at downtown Yellowknife heritage building deemed 'highly suspicious'

A fire that destroyed a heritage building in downtown Yellowknife early Monday morning has been deemed "highly suspicious,"according to the N.W.T.'s fire marshal.

"There is no reason for a fire to ignite at that location," said Chucker Dewar."It's a derelictbuilding. There's no heat and there is no electricity provided to the building. Therefore, it's pretty suspicious that a fire would start."

No injuries have been reported, according to Dewar.

The building islocated on the corner of Franklin Avenue and 53 Street. AFacebook video an eyewitness shared with CBCshows the fire engulfing the building around 1 a.m.

• Early morning fire destroys downtown Yellowknife heritage building

According to a witness, firefighters were able to extinguish the visible flames by about 2:30 a.m.

A news release issued Tuesday morning by the City of Yellowknife says the city's fire department received a report of smoke coming from an abandoned structure on the corner of Franklin Avenue and 53 Street at 12:56 a.m. Monday.

The fire department responded and the fire was put out shortly after they arrived at the scene, according to the news release.RCMPwere also there.

Dewar said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The structure sustained extensive damage, which he said will make an investigation of what's left insidethe building very difficult.

Yellowknife RCMP confirmed to CBCon Monday morning that they are assisting the Office of the Fire Marshalin investigating the fire.

Dewar is asking anyone with information to contact RCMP. The investigation is ongoing.