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Suspicious fire guts B.C. elementary school, plans underway for students and teachers

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Oct, 2023 10:16 AM

Plans are underway to bring school life back to normal as quickly as possible for students and teachers at a Metro Vancouver elementary school that was destroyed in a suspicious weekend fire.

Coquitlam School District 43 says in a statement to families on its website that plans are in the works to support continued learning for the school community at Hazel Trembath Elementary School in Port Coquitlam.

Coquitlam RCMP say they are investigating a suspicious fire at the school, which was fully engulfed when first responders arrived at the scene early Saturday.

Terrible news this morning of a fire at Hazel Trembath Elementary school in Port Coquitlam this morning. Thank you to firefighters for responding so quickly and ensuring the fire did not spread. We will support school district, parents and students through this difficult time. https://t.co/wrdOowXApD
— Rachna Singh (@RachnaSinghNDP) October 14, 2023

1/I’m absolutely devastated to see the images of Hazel Trembath gone. As a former student myself & the parent of a Grade 1 student there, I know what a special place Hazel is. This is heartbreaking.

I’ve spoken with our Fire Department, our School District & senior city staff. pic.twitter.com/KbP1dtJkng
— Brad West (@BradWestPoCo) October 14, 2023

The RCMP urged the public to avoid the area in and around the school due to potentially hazardous air quality caused by the fire, saying road closures near the school should be expected for several days as the investigation continues.

About 215 students attended Hazel Trembath Elementary School.

The school district statement said "this is very sad news for our students, staff, and school community."

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