A massive fire that forced a school and trailer park in Mayerthorpe to evacuate Tuesday afternoon is being investigated as a possible arson.
The fire prompted an emergency alert after 2:30 p.m. The alert stated the fire started at about 1:30 p.m.
According to the Canadian Press, about 264 students at the nearby high school and residents of 38 mobile homes at the Kreek’s Krossing trailer park were evacuated and sent to Mayerthorpe’s community centre.
Superintendent of Northern Gateway Public Schools Kevin Andrea says there is a concern the smoke from creosote in the wood could cause health problems. He says the high school students, along with children from the town’s elementary school, were sent home early.
A bomber dropping chemical to battle the fire at the trestle at #mayerthorpe it is a sad day. pic.twitter.com/3Q29hl09lt
— Drew May (@drewmayphoto) April 27, 2016
A cause of the blaze and damage estimate has not been released.
Agencies/Canadajournal