Kamloops elementary school fire a ‘complicated’ investigation

KAMLOOPS – Fire inspectors are struggling with a complex and tough investigation as they look for the cause of the blaze that destroyed a Kamloops elementary school last week.

Kamloops fire inspector Kevin Cassidy says the instability of the building has been a challenge for investigators attempting to access the area of the fire's origin.

“It’s not safe for investigators to enter the building,” Cassidy says.

Earlier this week, Kamloops RCMP ruled out arson as the cause of the Parkcrest Elementary School fire. The school went up in flames on Thursday, Sept. 5, after classes were finished for the day.

RCMP have released the scene to an insurance company and Kamloops Fire Rescue is assisting in its investigation.

Cassidy says the insurance company has hired a private contractor to use machinery to safely remove the walls and cut the steel frame from the area of the fire's origin. Fire inspectors are hoping to start this process tomorrow, Sept. 12, Cassidy says.

He explains how this fire is one of the larger and more complicated investigations based on the amount of damage.

“It’s by far one of the more challenging investigations,” he says.

More information on the cause of the fire will be known later this week.

For past stories on the Parkcrest Elementary school fire, go here.

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