Active shooter incident pauses Fireweed Festival in Fort Smith, N.W.T.

Active shooter incident pauses Fireweed Festival in Fort Smith, N.W.T.

Residents ordered to shelter in place

RCMP issued a shelter in place order for the community of Fort Smith, N.W.T., just after 3 a.m. on Saturday as they search for an armed male suspect.

Organizers of the Fireweed Festival NT released a statement on social media warning that a "serious incident" involving a firearm had occurred at the kickoff party at Dirty O'Fergies, a pub in the community of just over 2,000 people. In the post, the festival stated that several individuals were injured. This has yet to be confirmed by police.

The RCMP is searching for an armed male suspect. Police have opened a community portal for the public to collect digital evidence from witnesses.

RCMP have released a photo of the suspect, described as a male wearing a grey sweater. Residents are asked to contact police if they have any information.

Residents are advised to stay in their homes and not open the door for anyone, as well as refrain from posting photos of responding officers on social media.

The CBCs Jared Monkman is in Fort Smith this weekend to broadcast The Weekender live from the festival. That show is still scheduled to begin starting at 6 a.m. MT. Tune in on your radio or on CBC Listen.

The Fort Smith Health Centre is open for emergency access only, and is under lockdown and mass casualty protocols. Residents are asked to call ahead if possible before seeking care.

In its fifth year, the Fireweed Festival NT is a music, culture and community festival. It includes live performances, interactive workshops and community driven events in what organizers describe as an "inclusive and welcoming space."

Jessica Davey-Quantick has been reporting in the North since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from the University of King's College, and a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from Queen's University for her thesis, Dumpcano: Waste Management and Environmental Justice in Iqaluit. You can reach her at jessica.davey-quantick@cbc.ca.