Lax Kw'alaams landmark Grace United Church consumed by fire

The historic Grace United Church in Lax Kw'alaams was destroyed
by fire early Saturday morning
(photo from Grace United Church Facebook)

Residents of Lax Kw'alaams are in shock this evening, following an early morning fire in the community that has destroyed a North Coast landmark. 

Grace United Church, a fixture in the community which traces its history back to the 1800's was reported to officials as on fire shortly before 5:30 this morning.

The Lax Kw'alaams Fire First Responders arrived on scene to the structure ablaze and while working hard through the early morning hours the building was quickly consumed by the blaze.

Social media has been accumulating a growing list of material related to the fire, including photos and videos added through the day; that as Lax Kw'alaams members share their memories of the many purposes that the Church provided for in the community.

Some of the remembrances note of the history of the Church, the current one a replacement of one which also suffered a fire in 1934.

The Pacific Mountain Regional Council of the United Church of Canada has shared word of the sad news from Lax Kw'alaams through their website.

The fire  call came with the community in the midst of a water advisory, with the Lax Kw'alaams Band having issued a notice for residents to conserve water on Friday owing to a water supply issue from the water plant. 

Maintenance workers were continuing their efforts for repairs today, with water for home consumption having been scheduled for arrival earlier today.

There were no injuries reported from the fire, the RCMP has noted that the incident is considered suspicious.

The accounts of the community can be explored through Facebook

For more notes related to Lax Kw'alaams see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.