Fire and vandalism draw authorities to Armstrong middle school

ARMSTRONG – A fire at Lenwood Middle School in Armstrong had 32 firefighters jumping out of bed at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Initially reported as a structure fire, members feared the worst. But Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian Cummings says it was just a small fire in a garbage can a few feet from the school.

“There was no fire within the building contrary to the initial report,” Cummings says. “It could have had quite an impact on the community, even a small (structure) fire would close the school, so it was great when we got there and found out the information was mistaken.”

Someone had also spray-painted crude words and images on the building and smashed a window in what Cummings describes as “significant damage.” No other damage or signs of mischief were discovered inside the school.

Police have launched an investigation into the fire and vandalism, Cummings says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.