Nanaimo RCMP is investigating up to eight small fires which appear to have been intentionally set this month at Brechin Elementary school on Millstone Avenue. Photo courtesy Google.
As many as eight fires RCMP say appear to have been intentionally set this month at Brechin Elementary School in Nanaimo are under investigation.
Nanaimo RCMP says no students or staff have been injured, but one of the fires resulted in an evacuation of the school at 510 Millstone Ave. for several hours.
According to police, the most significant fire was on April 3 when fire crews responded to a smoke alarm activated from the school’s basement.
Firefighters found a smoke-filled basement and the water used to douse the fire and water sprinklers that were activated forced the evacuation.
Police say it caused about $5,000 damage from smoke and water.
Seven other fires have been found at the school over the next two weeks, which RCMP says were self-extinguished and found to have paper and clothing being set on fire.
Only one of those started in the school with a wad of toilet paper being set on fire.
Authorities say no damage was caused.
“These fires are very troubling and have resulted in the school having to put extra security in place to patrol the school and grounds after hours,” Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said in a statement.
No arrests have been made and the investigation continues by the Nanaimo RCMP School Liaison Unit, in conjunction with School District 68 officials.
Anyone who has information on any of these incidents is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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