A fire in the early hours of Sunday morning has caused extensive damage at Yellowknife’s Coyote’s restaurant and bar.
In a statement, the City of Yellowknife said emergency dispatchers received a call just before 5am on Sunday.
The fire division sent five apparatus and 25 firefighters to the scene at 484 Range Lake Road. Witnesses described smoke “pouring from the doors” at the time.
Nobody was injured but according to the City, the damage is estimated at $100,000 or more.
“YKFD responded immediately with a pumper/aerial truck and a medic,” said the City.
“Fire division crews arrived quickly on scene and confirmed that they had heavy smoke coming from the back of the structure. A Full Group Alert was initiated and additional firefighters and equipment were summoned to the scene to assist with fire fighting operations.
“Fire fighters made entry on the address side of the structure and quickly made their way to the seat of the fire. The fire was contained to the back of the structure where heavy smoke and fire conditions were encountered by initial attack crews inside the structure.
“An offensive fire fighting operation was established and fire crews were able to control the fire quickly with a single attack team. With the application of an effective water and foam combination the fire was brought under control and extinguished.
“Cold ambient temperatures presented some challenges to fire fighters throughout the course of the fire, although the incident concluded without injury to fire fighters or the general public.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known and remains under investigation.
On Facebook, visitors have been leaving messages of support for Coyote’s owner Ed But.
“I’m so sorry about the fire, Ed! I hope you’ll be able to rebuild,” wrote Yellowknife resident Lynn La Saga.
“Praying it’s a quick rebuild,” added Tina Hobbs. Juanita Sangris wrote: “You will rise from ashes to serve great food again. I’m sure all of YK is behind you.”
But, on his own Facebook page, said he was “investigating right now” and had no immediate update.
The restaurant had only just launched, with Buffalo Airways, a campaign to help feed youth in northern communities using a portion of its earnings.
