The City of Yellowknife says improper handling of a butane torch caused last week’s fire at the Sundog Trading Post café.
Nobody was hurt in the June 27 fire, which only damaged part of the building, but the café’s owners have said it will close indefinitely for repairs. (The tour operating side of the business continues.)
In a news release this week, the city said the fire’s cause “was determined to be the improper use of a heating device.”
“The butane torch was not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations,” a City Hall spokesperson told Cabin Radio by email.
“It was utilized to ignite a barbecue and subsequently placed on a wooden windowsill. Due to ambient heat from the day, combined with heat generated through the window, the torch did not cool adequately.
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“As a result, residual heat was transferred to the wooden surface. Over time, the accumulated heat and presence of oxygen created conditions sufficient to initiate combustion, resulting in a fire.”
Butane torches create an intense heat that has culinary applications – for example, caramelizing sugar – as well as some uses in home improvement and the trades.
Richard McIntosh, Sundog’s co-owner, said last week he hoped the café’s insurer would help to cover the cost of repairs.
McIntosh could not be reached for comment on Thursday or Friday this week.
“We are very sorry to be closed until further notice while we repair our kitchen from fire,” the café told customers on its Facebook page on Thursday.
“We hope to be able to open at reduced capacity before too long and we will keep you updated.”
