Police investigating the Hay River highrise fire are asking residents to submit photos and video they took of the incident.
The fire, last Friday, did not injure anyone but left the building at least temporarily uninhabitable. Residents have been warned that damage from fire, smoke, and water, could leave them unable to return home for weeks or months – if at all.
So far, investigating authorities have said very little about what could have caused the fire, though residents evacuating the building initially speculated that arson may have been to blame.
In a news release on Wednesday, RCMP in Hay River confirmed a police major crimes team has been called in to assist local officers, alongside a forensic identification team. However, the news release made no reference to arson or any other potential cause.
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The local fire department and the NWT fire marshal’s office are also investigating.
Police are now asking residents to hand over any photos or video they took of the fire as the investigation, which is characterized as “active and ongoing,” continues.
“At this time, RCMP are requesting anyone with information, including photographs and/or video, of this incident to please come forward,” read a statement attributed to RCMP spokesperson Cst Heather Cosenzo.
“What may seem like a regular photo could provide valuable information to this investigation.”
To get in touch with RCMP, call the major crimes unit on 867-669-1111 or use Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
You can also use Crime Stoppers online at nwtnutips.com, or by texting nwtnutips to 274637.
