Damage unknown after mystery fire alarm activates chemical suppressant at Nain cultural centre
CBC
Clouds of apparent smoke billowed out of the Illusuak Cultural Centre in Nain on Monday.
The Nunatsiavut government advised people of a fire at the centre on Monday at 3:10 p.m. AT.
But after the haze dissipated, Nunatsiavut said there isn't an indication yet of what caused it.
"From our investigation so far, there is no evidence of a fire having occurred," said Nunatsiavut's First Minister Melva Williams on Tuesday.
The centre is a significant hub for community gatherings and features an array of Nunatsiavut artifacts.
"This was a really heartbreaking moment for a lot of people ... some people were crying, a lot of firefighters coming in and out," said Melanie Segev.
Segev is in town for the summer with a literacy camp. She helped hand out masks to people around the building.
Williams said an investigation is ongoing to determine why the suppression system went off, noting that the system uses a chemical to put out flames when it's activated. She did not know what type of chemical would have been used.
Williams said there's no indication yet how long the centre will be closed for, adding Nunatsiavut is assembling a team of professionals to investigate. She said the fire system was last inspected this past fall.
The Illusuak first opened to the public in 2019. It was expected to open in 2014, but faced delays in how to properly tell the story of Nunatsiavut. It was also delayed for the late addition of its fire suppression system to properly protect artifacts.
An exhibit featuring stories from residential school survivors was about to launch in the centre's theatre when the system went off. Williams said everyone was able to evacuate safely and the Nain volunteer fire brigade searched for anyone left inside.
The community held a drop-in session for people who were in the centre when the system went off and may have been left shaken from the incident, Williams said.
"We're also working on other options, like being able to access counsellors from the Department of Health and Social Development if needed," Williams said.
The haze from the fire suppression system spread throughout Nain. Williams said questions about the potential health impacts from exposure to the system should be directed to the health authority.
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