An RCMP vehicle is parked outside the courthouse in Golden, B.C. on March 13.HO/The Canadian Press
Police suspect arson was behind a fire that swept through the courthouse in Golden, B.C., injuring one firefighter battling the blaze that the province’s attorney-general calls “disturbing.”
Golden Fire Department Deputy Chief Rob Perry says the firefighter was treated in hospital for what RCMP Corporal James Grandy says were non-life-threatening injuries.
Cpl. Grandy says alarms were reported in the Golden Law Courts and Service B.C. building at 3:25 a.m. on Monday.
He says “early observations point to it as being a purposeful arson,” and anyone with information about the fire should contact Golden RCMP detachment.
Flames were still shooting from the single-storey building more than five hours after volunteer firefighters first arrived.
Attorney-general Niki Sharma says she was told about the fire and would focus on making sure court services were not interrupted.
“Obviously, it’s disturbing and we’re looking into it right now, about the causes of it I’ll have more to say once we know more,” she said.
A firefighter at the scene on Monday said the building, which houses the town’s provincial court, was likely a total loss.
Chief Perry said crews were using ladders to pour water on the top of the building.
“The roof has collapsed, so the fire is underneath that,” he said.
While it is spring break for the district, the Golden Alternate School, which is across the street from the courthouse, is in session and Chief Perry said an evacuation was not expected.
The wind was moving in the opposite direction, he said.
Access to the Golden and District Hospital, next to the courthouse, was difficult at the height of the blaze because hoses were blocking the street and water was pooling at the front of the building, but the hospital remained open.
Chief Perry, who is an arson investigation technician, said he will be working with RCMP investigators to determine what caused the fire.
Provincial court was not in session Monday, but cases were scheduled for later this week.
Chief Perry said court staff are “trying to sort out” next steps.