The A’nowara’kowa Arena will be closed for remainder of the winter/ice season says the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne(MCA) who announced the news last week via press release, after a fire occurred in one of the locker rooms..
On Friday, January 19, 2018 at approximately 3 p.m., the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) and Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) were dispatched to a report of a fire at the arena, located on Phillip Hopps Memorial Road, Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island.)
No set time frame to re-open has been identified, but officials say smoke damage and soot throughout most of the arena may take several weeks to months to repair and clean. MCA says An opening date for the spring will be announced when determined.
At this time, the fire has been deemed suspicious and is under investigation.
The building was safely evacuated, and staff and fire crews acted quickly to contain the fire. “We are extremely grateful that those inside the building were quickly evacuated and no injuries occurred,†said Grand Chief Abram Benedict. “We are also very appreciative of the quick response of both local and surrounding first responders who helped to ensure the fire was contained quickly, ultimately saving the arena from irreparable damage. Our partnerships and working relationships with these agencies is vital to the safety of our community members and buildings.â€
The Mohawk Council says the quick and unhindered response the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department and Akwesasne Mohawk Police, other agencies responded to the fire as well including the Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance, Cornwall City Fire Department, Bombay Fire Department and Fort Covington Fire Department, is appreciated.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact police (AMPS) at 613-575-2000 or the Akwesasne Crime Stoppers at 613-575-2255.
ATV Staff
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