Whitehorse RCMP investigating fire at S.S. Klondike

Whitehorse RCMP are investigating after someone tried to set fire to the S.S. Klondike on the city's waterfront Saturday.

Police responded to a 911 call reporting the fire within minutes, according to a news release from the RCMP. Officers started putting the fire out with fire extinguishers before the Whitehorse Fire Department arrived and finished the job.

"There was a fire burning up into the hull of the boat," said Whitehorse Fire Department platoon chief Dave Dowie. "It wasn't too bad to extinguish."

The fire was extinguished without significant damage to the ship. Nobody was injured.

"When we had a couple more people on scene from the fire department, two of us went into the boat and into the hull in the back to make sure it was all extinguished on the inside of the boat, as well," Dowie said.

The RCMP searched the area with dogs but have yet to make any arrests in the case. They're asking anyone with information to call 667-5555.

The site is covered by a video security system.

The S.S. Klondike was the largest of the steamships that once plied the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The ship has been restored and serves as a major Parks Canada tourist attraction.