A Vancouver Island school is currently under investigation after a suspicious fire broke out on its premises.
According to authorities, the fire occurred at around 2:30 am on Monday at the École des Deux Mondes in the community of Comox. The school, which offers French immersion programs, was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. However, the school sustained significant damage, particularly in the gymnasium and adjacent classrooms.
The Comox Valley RCMP and the Comox Fire Department are now working together to determine the cause of the fire. They have deemed it suspicious due to the fact that it started in multiple locations within the school.
In a statement, the Comox Valley School District expressed their disappointment and concern over the incident. They assured the community that they are working closely with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff.
The school district has also announced that classes at École des Deux Mondes will be cancelled for the remainder of the week. They are currently making arrangements for students to continue their studies through online learning.
This is not the first time that the school has been targeted by vandals. In December 2020, the school was broken into and several items were stolen. However, it is unclear at this time if the two incidents are related.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Comox Valley RCMP or Crime Stoppers. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as they become available.
The community of Comox is rallying together to support the school and its students during this difficult time. Local businesses and organizations have already offered their assistance and donations to help with the recovery efforts.
The École des Deux Mondes fire serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety and security of our schools. The authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.
