The Kitimat Fire Department is investigating a fire that occurred at the Kitimat Ice Rink over the weekend. The department was alerted to the incident at around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and responded with two fire trucks and an ambulance. The fire was promptly extinguished, and there have been no reported injuries.
The extent of the damage and cost estimates for repairs are unknown at this time.
As a result of the blaze, all weekend activities scheduled at the Kitimat Ice Rink were cancelled.
Due to safety concerns, more programs at the rink were cancelled for the remainder of the season, including the Open Shinny, Public Skate, Family Stick and Puck and the Everyone Welcome Shinny.
The public has been advised to avoid the walkways outside the Kitimat Ice Rink and the Aquatic Centre entrance due to access restrictions imposed following the fire. Residents are also asked to observe any posted signs and barricades for their safety.
The fire did not affect nearby buildings, but the smell of smoke has spread to the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre, prompting its closure on Sunday over concerns of air quality. As of Monday, it was determined the aquatic centre was safe to reopen to the public.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
