Fire that destroyed Port Coquitlam school was human caused: RCMP
The fire that destroyed an elementary school in Port Coquitlam, B.C., in October was human caused, RCMP say.
Mounties will hold a news conference on Friday morning to detail the extent of their investigation into what caused the fire that led to Hazel Trembath Elementary School burning down in October.
The fire at the school at 1278 Confederation Dr. began shortly after 3 a.m. PT on Oct. 14, while it was unoccupied. By the time first responders arrived, the building was fully engulfed.
No one was injured in the fire, which investigators soon suspected was suspicious.
Hazel Trembath Elementary School in Port Coquitlam burned down in the early hours of Oct. 14. (City of Port Coquitlam/Instagram)
"At this time, we believe that the fire was human caused and are asking those responsible or those individuals who may know who is responsible to contact the Coquitlam RCMP," said Insp. Darren Carr, acting officer in charge of Coquitlam RCMP, in a release.
"We understand that the loss of the school has had tremendous impact on the entire community and police continue to actively pursue this complex investigation."
The ruins of Hazel Trembath Elementary School after the fire was doused. The blaze was soon believed to be suspicious. (Coquitlam RCMP)
'Unthinkable act'
The fire displaced around 500 students from kindergarten to Grade 5. Since the fire their classes have been relocated to a former high school, about a 20-minute bus ride from Hazel Trembath.
In December the school district said it would take until the end of April to clear and demolish the burned building before work can begin on rebuilding.
On X on Friday, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said the loss of the school "continues to be deeply felt within our community."
He is asking people to come forward with information to help with the investigation.
"My message to the individual or individuals responsible, or to those who know something, do the right thing," said the statement. "Come forward to police and provide closure to the hundreds of children and families who've been damaged by this unthinkable act."
