Public urged to stay away from burned Port Coquitlam elementary school, Mounties say
CTV
Mounties in Port Coquitlam are urging the public to stay away from the scene of the suspicious fire that destroyed Hazel Trembath Elementary School Saturday.
Mounties in Port Coquitlam are urging the public to stay away from the scene of the suspicious fire that destroyed Hazel Trembath Elementary School Saturday.
Coquitlam RCMP warned in a statement Saturday evening that the fire has caused "potentially hazardous air quality" in the area, and that the hazard is expected to linger "for several days."
"We understand that students, staff, parents and neighbours may want to view the damage first-hand as they grieve the loss of the school," said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in the statement.
"The smoke and air quality is unsafe and only officials with appropriate personal protective equipment should be near the scene."
Police also asked nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed and "avoid going outside" to limit their exposure.
A crowd gathered throughout the day Saturday as smoke continued to rise from the charred remains of the school.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene on Confederation Drive around 3:15 a.m., and remained there throughout the day. Images captured before sunrise show almost the entire building engulfed in orange flames.
