Yukon RCMP are remaining tightlipped about the fire that destroyed the Keno City Hotel last Friday night, shocking the residents of the tiny central Yukon community.

“Yukon RCMP completed their initial investigation of the fire at the Keno City Hotel on Monday, December 14,” police said in a brief statement Wednesday afternoon.

“Officers are continuing to canvass for witnesses and are furthering the investigation.

“No further information will be released at this time as the investigation is active.”

Leo Martel, the owner of the century-old, uninsured landmark, told the Star Monday he believes the hotel was deliberately burned down, as he saw unexplained tracks in the snow near the rear, unused portion of the complex.

In 2017, the territorial Fire Marshal’s Office removed the fire apparatus from the community. It also took the key to a shed housing other fire equipment, preventing Keno residents from accessing it as the hotel burned.

“The 1990 fire pumper truck was deemed unserviceable and unsafe upon inspection, and was not replaced because the community lacked trained volunteers to use the equipment,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Community Services.

“Keno, with a population of just a few dozen, struggles to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters,” she added.

“The community has not had an organized fire department since 2011 despite attempts both within the community and by the Fire Marshal’s Office to support community enthusiasm for training a new group of firefighters.”

The Keno City Residents’ Council has now demanded an independent inquiry into the state of fire and emergency protection in the community.

Minister John Streicker said this week he is open to that concept.

The volunteer fire departments in Keno, Mendenhall, Pelly Crossing and Ross River and Keno are considered closed, as no active volunteers exist within the communities.