Nanaimo RCMP and arson investigators are looking into a suspicious fire that damaged the Nanoose First Nation community hall.
Neighbours called the Lantzville Volunteer Fire Department about 5 a.m. Saturday after heavy smoke and flames were spotted coming from the building on the Snaw'Naw'As reserve on Harvey Road, said Nanaimo RCMP Sgt. Donovan Tait.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which caused part of the roof to collapse. No one was injured.
Tait said the fire is considered suspicious, and it started outside the building. He said RCMP officers are aware of witness reports that people were using fireworks and could be seen running from the community hall.
“That is something we heard about and we’re looking into all those reports,” Tait said.
Arson investigators from Nanaimo Fire and RCMP were on the scene for much of the day Saturday collecting evidence.
Members of the First Nation expressed their sadness on social media.
“Terrible sad day for Nanoose First Nation, our beloved community hall burned down,” wrote Phil Bob. “It was the heart of our community ... I'm heartbroken.”
Anyone who noticed anything suspicious between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
