Firefighters battle blaze at housing block in Iqaluit [Video]

Firefighters were on the scene Wednesday evening of an apartment fire in Iqaluit.

The city issued a notice advising people that the fire department was actively responding to a fire at 1088 Noble House. Officials asked residents to avoid the area “until further notice.”

“Access to the area will be limited during this time to ensure emergency responders can work without obstruction.”

The fire broke out just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday and appeared to grow over the next couple of hours. Firefighters battled the blaze in windy conditions with gusts up to 60 km/h, according to Environment Canada.

Heavy smoke was visible up to a kilometre away.

A warming shelter for affected residents has been set up at the Cadet Hall.

No other details have been released.

Footage shot by the CBC’s Cindy Alorut.