Fire that destroyed Port Coquitlam school was human caused: RCMP
Hazel Trembath Elementary fire started Oct. 14 and was promptly deemed suspicious by investigators
The fire that destroyed an elementary school in Port Coquitlam, B.C., in October was human caused, RCMP say.
"It is confirmed what we suspected, that the cause of the fire was human caused and it is criminal in nature," said Insp. Darren Carr at a news conference Friday morning, in which police gave an update on their investigation into the blaze at Hazel Trembath Elementary School last 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.
Carr, acting officer in charge of Coquitlam RCMP, said the almost five-month long investigation has so far amassed 132 statements, hours of video and the canvassing of 245 locations in a 19-block radius around the school.
"We understand that the loss of the school has had a tremendous impact on the entire community and police continue to actively pursue this complex investigation," he said.
Carr said fire investigators were able to rule out other possible causes, such as a faulty electrical system, to determine it was human caused. Now investigators are looking for suspects.
"Some of the things we have to consider is, was this an intentionally caused fire? Was it because of reckless behaviour, could it be mischief, could it be negligence? Those questions will likely be answered once we've identified a person or persons responsible," he said.
'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.
Earlier on Friday, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said on X that 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."
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