Whitehorse RCMP say four people were arrested early this morning at a home on Sixth Avenue. Three have since been released. Several residences were evacuated after a fire broke out at the home late Thursday night.

A 52-year-old woman is facing charges.

In a statement sent out on social media late last night, officials said: “A fire began inside a residence during a police operation on Thursday evening, October 26th.

“The residence in question, the adjoining duplex, as well as nearby residences, were evacuated.

“The fire was extinguished by Whitehorse Fire Dept. Despite attempts made to revive him, a dog has died as a result of the fire. No other injuries were reported. Several individuals were arrested during this operation.”

An official with the Whitehorse Fire Department said late this morning that firefighters were initially called to the scene to assist RCMP at 9:46 p.m.

“The structure was fully involved,” said deputy chief Chris Green.

Hours to extinguish

Firefighters worked several hours to extinguish the blaze. They left the scene only to be called back to it at 1:54 this morning after it had rekindled in the attic.

A hole had to be cut in the roof of the house to get to the flames in the attic. It was extinguished, with firefighters leaving the scene at 6 a.m.

Green said there were about eight firefighters on the scene at any given time over the course of the blaze.

A pumper, ladder truck, rescue vehicle and the fire chief’s vehicle responded to the call.

It’s believed the fire started in a bedroom of the home. However, as Green pointed out, the details are all still under investigation, including the cause.

He noted RCMP are taking the lead on the investigation.

In a short update to their postings about the incident, RCMP stated: “52-year-old woman facing charges under Controlled Drugs and Substances Act following police operation in #Whitehorse rcmp-grc.ca/28531.”

In a statement early this afternoon, police confirmed there were no gunshots fired.