Yukon RCMP are remaining tightlipped about the fire that destroyed the Keno City Hotel last Friday night, shocking the residents of the tiny central Yukon community.
“Yukon RCMP completed their initial investigation of the fire at the Keno City Hotel on Monday, December 14,” police said in a brief statement Wednesday afternoon.
“Officers are continuing to canvass for witnesses and are furthering the investigation.
“No further information will be released at this time as the investigation is active.”
Leo Martel, the owner of the century-old, uninsured landmark, told the Star Monday he believes the hotel was deliberately burned down, as he saw unexplained tracks in the snow near the rear, unused portion of the complex.
RCMP continue investigation into Keno City Hotel fire
Yukon RCMP say after an initial investigation into the Keno City Hotel fire ended on Monday, they are continuing to look into the cause.
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Posted: Dec 16, 2020 1:57 PM CT | Last Updated: December 16, 2020
A drone photo of the wreckage left behind after a fire destroyed the Keno City Hotel in Keno City, Yukon, last week. RCMP say they are still investigating the cause.(RCMP)
Keno City residents group calls for public inquiry into fire services after hotel burns up
A group representing residents of Keno City, Yukon, is calling for an independent public inquiry into the state of fire protection after a fire destroyed the town’s beloved hotel on Friday.
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Posted: Dec 15, 2020 8:59 AM CT | Last Updated: December 15, 2020
The Keno City Hotel in Keno City, Yukon, was destroyed by fire Friday night.(Kevin O Hara/Facebook)
My only fear was fire
Leo Martel said he wanted to leave a legacy, and renovated the hotel so it would last forever. But, he said, my only fear was fire. People had a great time in there, Martel told CBC s
Yukon Morning. I tried to make sure that everybody felt the building . the atmosphere in there.
Martel said he did not have insurance for the hotel, and has been overwhelmed by the community s support.
As of Monday, a GoFundMe page had raised more than $14,000 .
Yukon Morning11:09Fire destroys iconic Keno City HotelThe iconic Keno City Hotel burned to the ground on Friday. The owner, Leo Martel, spent more than a decade bringing it back to its former glory. He spoke with Elyn Jones.11:09
Revised - The tragic loss of the historic Keno City Hotel last Friday night has highlighted the potentially precarious position of many small Yukon communities when it comes to emergencies such as fires.
The hotel was lost partly because emergency responders had to come from Mayo because Keno no longer has an active fire department.
The trucks took 90 minutes to arrive, while witnesses say the hotel was a cinder within 30 minutes of the blaze being noticed.
The Keno City Residents’ Council has now demanded an independent inquiry into the state of fire and emergency protection in the community.
Its members have sent an open letter to the government outlining their dissatisfaction. It was also provided to local media outlets.