A small and deliberately lit fire was quickly doused by firefighters at École Océane on Saturday Sept. 21. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SCHOOL FIRE

Weekend fire at École Océane School in Nanaimo purposely lit: RCMP

Sep 23, 2019 | 6:04 AM

NANAIMO — A portable classroom at École Océane has sustained damage following a fire that is presumed to have been deliberately set.

Fire crews arrived on scene around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 21 to a portion of siding to the classroom on fire. Quick work of crews meant they were able to minimize damage to the Francophone school.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the fire spread quickly.

“The siding was on fire, the wooden landing was on fire, and it was believed to have been caused by debris that was pushed up against the building and set on fire.”

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating, and are not saying whether the debris was collected on site, or brought it from elsewhere.

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

A few moments ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

1h ago

stepping in

Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strike

3h ago

Cst. Gary O’Brien added the fire was set on the south facing side of the school, which is largely sheltered by a retaining wall.

“Certainly that’s probably one of the reasons why they started the fire there, so under the cover of darkness and some concealment they could start it.”

Police believe the offender or offenders were on scene from between 6 a.m. to just before 7:30 a.m., however no reports of people fleeing the area have been made to police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW