RCMP are conducting an investigation after a fire significantly damaged Hornby Island Community School on Sunday morning.
The fire at the school building broke out at about 3 a.m., and first responders finished battling the blaze at about 10:30 a.m. on August 26th.
School district representatives travelled to the rural community early Monday morning to assess the situation and set up a contingency plan to make sure classes continue in the upcoming school year.
“The Board of Education is shocked and saddened that one week prior to the start of the new school year at the news of a devastating fire that has damaged the Hornby Island Community School, a rural island school that not only serves the many students and families of Hornby Island but the entire community,” reads a statement from Board Chair Janice Caton.
According to a release from the school district, the fire was put out by Hornby Island Volunteer Fire Department and Denman Island Fire Rescue, as well as first responders from Comox Valley RCMP, British Columbia Emergency Health Services and BC Hydro.
BC Ferries was also involved in the process, as staff members “worked through the night to shuttle emergency crews to the island”.
RCMP are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
The school will be releasing updates on their website regarding the plan moving forward.
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