Yellowknife RCMP have announced the arrest and charging of four female youths in connection with an arson attempt along Burwash Drive in Yellowknife.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night and is one of two arson cases currently under investigation by the police. 

According to a news release issued Wednesday morning, law enforcement received a call at approximately 11:21 p.m. about the youths attempting to ignite a fire. 

RCMP subsequently arrived on scene and arrested all four individuals, who were found in possession of aerosol cans and lighters. 

“It should go without having to be said, incidents like these pose a very serious risk to our community,” the RCMP stated in a news release.

“A significant fire behind the city’s line of defence could have devastating consequences and take valuable resources away from the ongoing wildfire fighting efforts that are underway,” he added.

More arsonists on the loose

In a parallel incident, RCMP are still on the hunt for two men believed to have initiated a fire near Long Lake, situated on the northwest side of the city.

Police first spotted the fire around 10:03 p.m. and promptly engaged the Yellowknife Fire Department for assistance. Despite deploying police dogs and an extensive search effort, the suspects, who were reportedly dressed in black attire, have evaded capture as of the time of publication.

These events unfold amidst a backdrop of heightened concern in Yellowknife due to a significant wildfire menacing the city’s western flank. Over 200 wildfires have already burned an area that’s four times the size of Prince Edward Island.

The Northwest Territories recently declared a territory-wide state of emergency due to the wildfires. Residents in Yellowknife have been put on evacuation notice as the fires are only about 16km northwest of the capital city.

As a precaution, areas including the Kam Lake business district, Engle industrial area, and Grace Lake have been placed under evacuation alert as the wildfire’s proximity intensifies.

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