Someone deliberately tried to blow up an SUV in Inuvik early Monday morning, according to the town’s fire department.

Inuvik Fire Chief Jim Sawkins says gasoline was poured under an SUV on Kugmallit Road. People passing by managed to put out a fire which had started under the vehicle.

When firefighters arrived at around 5:30 a.m. they discovered someone had rigged the car to explode.

“It was discovered that somebody, the person who had tried to light the fire, had consciously put a propane cylinder in the back seat of the car and turned the valve on it,” said Sawkins.

“It would have had the potential to probably level two homes and kill a lot of people.”

Inuvik RCMP detachment commander Jerry McKenna said they are investigating. He said police do not consider the incident a deliberate attempt to kill someone.

"It wouldn't be considered attempted murder," he said. "It could be considered arson, mischief, property damage… it all depends on what the investigation brings out."

According to the fire chief, another fire was also prevented on Monday night. He said children were seen underneath a sports store lighting fires with aerosol cans and gasoline.