The RCMP is investigating a fire in the Bear River that destroyed an important landmark in the small community in Nova Scotia on Friday.
At approximately 1:20 a.m., the Bear River Fire Department was notified of an alarm at the Bear River First Nation Group’s office on 130 Reservation Rd. Numerous firefighters in the area have responded to put out the blaze.
Authorities say there are no people or casualties in the building.
Bear River Fire Chief David McCormick said a member of the department was on his way to the fire department when he saw the building on fire.
“[He] realized that this was a complete fire of construction [and] he called the fire department, “McCormick said, adding that nearby fire stations had then been sent to help.
The building is completely engulfed in flames
The building was engulfed in flames when the fire brigade arrived at the site around 2 am.
Firefighters battled the blaze for about three hours, Digby Fire Chief Robert Morgan said.
“He was pretty well knocked down by probably about 5 [a.m.]”He said, adding that an excavator had been brought in to demolish the rest of the building so the fire could be put out.
McCormick said a small part of the surrounding forest was burned and there was minor damage to a neighboring building.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
The place is secured at the beginning of the investigation
In a press release, Digby RCMP said it had secured the scene and contacted the provincial fire department to help with the investigation.
“Based on the evidence gathered, the fire may be suspicious,” the statement said. “Further details will be announced in the course of the investigation.”
McCormick said the Fire Hall and the First Nation of Bear River are working closely together on community fire protection.
“It’s a huge loss. There’s a lot of history going on with this building,” he said, adding that the building was built about 40 years ago with a structure of pillars and beams.
“It was a beautiful building inside.”
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