Mounties are with fire crews at a Port Coquitlam elementary school this morning, Oct. 14, after a suspicious fire broke out in the early hours.
Police are looking into a possible arson at Hazel Trembath Elementary, located at 1278 Confederation Dr., that started after 3 a.m.
The blaze fully engulfed the building and smoke could be seen billowing out from kilometres away.
The school was vacant at the time; no injuries are reported.
"We are asking anyone who may have video surveillance in the area of Hazel Trembath Elementary School around the time of the fire to contact our investigators," said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a news release.
"Police are also looking to speak with anyone who may have been in the area between the late evening of Oct. 13, 2023, and the early morning of Oct. 14, 2023."
On its website, School District 43 (SD43) has a notice that reads: "To provide support for our families and update parents/guardians, a community gathering is will be held at Pitt River Middle at 5:00pm.
"Information will also be communicated to families and posted to the Trembath and district websites.
"In the meantime, district administration and Trembath staff are working hard on a plan to support continued learning for the school community and will share plans as soon as they are solidified."
The principal is Dave Phelan. The school recently raised and donated $536 to the Cops for Cancer fundraiser.
The Tri-City News will update this story as more information becomes available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-27725.
