A'NOWARA'KOWA ARENA CLOSED FOR REMAINDER OF SEASON DUE TO SUSPICIOUS FIRE

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is announcing the unfortunate update that the A’nowara’kowa Arena will be closed for remainder of the winter/ice season.

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.) The fire was reported to be in one of the locker rooms.

The building was safely evacuated, and staff and fire crews acted quickly to contain the fire. However, smoke damage and soot throughout most of the arena will take several weeks to months to repair and clean. Therefore, the ice season this winter is over and an opening date for the spring will be announced when determined.

At this time, the fire has been deemed suspicious and is under investigation.

“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.”

Along with 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. Their quick and unhindered response is appreciated. We also thank the arena staff and Dept. of Technical Services for their swift action that contributed to the fire being extinguished quickly. Nia:wen kowa to all who helped in any way to save our arena.

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.

Indian Time attempted to obtain a photo of the fire damage to the Arena. MCA Department of Technical Services stated they could not release a photo because the fire was still under investigation as of press time.