NORTH BATTLEFORD - North Battleford Mayor David Gillan issued a statement Thursday thanking all the first responders for their assistance with a major fire at an apartment building on the 1400 block of 102nd Street.
“On behalf of the residents of the affected building, city council and the citizens of North Battleford, I want to thank the brave men and women who responded at such late hour in such cold temperatures," Gillan said. "In particular, I want to thank the dedicated firefighters from the City of North Battleford, the Town of Battleford and the RM of North Battleford who tirelessly worked throughout the night and into the next day to protect people and property. Our heartfelt thank you to you all.”
Three fire departments were on scene with a full response to the fire during the early hours of Jan. 3. North Battleford Fire Department was on the scene, and the fire departments of the Town of Battleford and the RM of North Battleford also responded to the mutual-aid call.
The city is also thanking Community Safety Officers, the RCMP, WPD Ambulance, the Canadian Red Cross, the city’s Public Works, Roadways and Water/Wastewater Departments, SaskPower, SaskEnergy and the Salvation Army.
The major fire resulted in 17 residents and six first responders being treated at Battlefords Union Hospital and released. It is known that some injuries resulted when residents jumped from as high as the third floor of the burning building. Video has been posted on social media showing people jumping from the structure. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities.
Those displaced by the fire had been staying at the Tropical Inn and the Travelodge in the city; the Tropical Inn has been accepting donations of items for those affected. There have been GoFundMe and other fundraising efforts as well.
North Battleford Fire Department has been on the scene over the last few days to put out secondary fires and hot spots that have erupted since Monday morning. The 1400 block of 102nd Street was closed Thursday to accommodate demolition scheduled for that day.
North Battleford Fire, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and the RCMP are investigating, with the fire treated as suspicious.
It has now been confirmed by the RCMP that two people have been charged: Naomi Jean Yellowtail faces one count of arson with disregard for human life, and one count of breach of undertaking and Keeanu Crookedneck is charged with one count of arson and one count of arson with disregard for human life. Yellowtail was scheduled to appear in provincial court Thursday and Crookedneck was due in court Friday.
The investigation is ongoing and the RCMP requesting that anyone with information regarding the fire call 310-RCMP. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
