Comox Valley RCMP have confirmed that the fire that damaged Hornby Island Community School earlier this week is suspicious, and a “person of interest” has been identified.
The fire at the school building broke out at about 3 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, August 26th, and first responders finished battling the blaze at about 10:30 a.m..
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.
According to an initial 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 still investigating the cause of the fire, and asking witnesses to step forward with any information they have not yet reported to the police.
If you saw anything suspicious before or during the fire, contact Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 and refer to file number 2018-12075. To report what you know anonymously, call CrimeStoppers.
