AKWESASNE – On Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) were dispatched to a fire in one of the locker rooms at A’nowara’kowa Arena located in Phillip Hopps Memorial Rd. Kawehn:ke, Cornwall Island.
There was smoke and soot throughout most of the arena that will take several weeks to months to repair. However, the building was thankfully evacuated safely, and fire and crew members acted quickly to contain the fire.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) unfortunately announced that the A’nowara’kowa Arena will be closed until further notice.
“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.”
The MCA wishes to thank the fire department, MCA’s Dept. of Technical Sevices staff, Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department and AMPS as well as, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance, Bombay Fire Department, Fort Covington Fire Department and Cornwall City Fire Department for responding to the fire.
AMPS believe they have a lead on this traumatic fire and have identified a “person of interest”. The fire is deemed to be suspicious and the investigation is ongoing.
Akwesasne Police are continuing to ask members of the public who have information about the January 19, 2018 fire to please contact them at 613-575-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 613-575-2255.
