Dawson City’s historic Westminster Hotel was destroyed by a major fire on Sunday. The three-storey wooden structure, known locally as The Pit, was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke rising above the Yukon community.
Firefighters battled the blaze, which spread rapidly through the building. Social media shared images and videos of the intense firefighting efforts.
Mayor Stephen Johnson confirmed the loss of the building on Facebook, expressing his heartfelt sorrow for the community. He stated that no lives were lost in the fire.
The Westminster Hotel was a significant landmark and gathering place for residents and visitors. It had previously suffered damage when a water main burst during extreme cold weather in January, flooding nearby streets and affecting the hotel bar.
The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed.