Kamloops RCMP say last week’s devastating fire at Parkcrest Elementary is not criminal in nature.

RCMP Fire Investigator Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk says they’ve released the scene back to the School District and their insurance agents.

“A very thorough scene investigation was completed. This involved the use of heavy equipment contractors and was complemented by assistance from Kamloops Fire Rescue investigators,” Boliziuk says.

“Information provided by witnesses, fire suppression crews, and a combination of physical evidence and known circumstances, led police fire investigators to a ruling that the fire’s origin is not suspicious in nature.”

School board chair Kathleen Karpuk says that news is a big relief.

“I think, knowing that this is an accident, really does relieve some of that strain. Knowing that it wasn’t a deliberately set fire, I think does make people feel a bit safer,” Karpuk says.

“We’ll be waiting for a more in-depth report from Kamloops Fire Rescue to find out what the cause of the fire was. And once we have that, we’ll be looking to see if there’s anything we can do to prevent something similar in the future.”

Buliziuk says the exact cause of the fire, whether electrical or mechanical, is still under investigation.

“This matter is a tragedy and affects many in our community; however, we are pleased to report that this tragedy was not one caused by the intentional actions of any individuals. We wish the children and families affected by this fire the absolute best in their likely difficult transition and adaptation to new educational circumstances.”

– with files from Colton Davies