RCMP believe six youths were involved in sparking the blaze that destroyed the only store in an isolated northern Manitoba community Thursday afternoon.
On Friday, RCMP arrested a 12-year-old boy in connection to the fire in the First Nation of Shamattawa.
Five of the 6 youths responsible for the fire cannot be charged because they are under 12 years of age.
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Around 4 p.m. Thursday, RCMP responded to reports of a fire at the community’s band office. When officers arrived on scene, the fire had spread to the community’s only store, radio station, post office and 9-1-1 centre.
Police and fire crews worked to extinguish the flames, but the blaze burned through the night. The damage to the building was extensive, RCMP said.
A number of photos and pictures posted to social media show the blaze tearing through the building.
The First Nation declared a state of emergency after the fire destroyed the Northern Store, owned by the North West Company, and left the community of 1,500 without supplies or emergency services.
Because Shamattawa is only accessible by air, restocking supplies for the community and rebuilding the properties could be expensive and time-consuming.
Emergency supplies
On Friday the Red Cross loaded up an airplane in Winnipeg with emergency supplies, such as water, to fly to the First Nation. A second plane is scheudled to leave , which will have food and baby necessities.
The community is roughly 750 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
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