Photo: Google Maps

UPDATE: 4:40 p.m.

The B.C. RCMP's explosives disposal unit has responded to William Konkin Elementary School in Burns Lake and confirms the device was inert, and could not have exploded.

It has been removed for disposal.

The school has now been determined safe and open for business as usual.

ORIGINAL: 3 p.m.

Two separate B.C. schools were evacuated Tuesday after explosives were brought into the buildings.

Burns Lake RCMP say they believe an explosive device was brought into William Konkin Elementary School this morning and, in an unrelated incident, district officials in North Vancouver said an explosive device was found at Handsworth Seconday School.

Konkin Elementary was evacuated about 2:30 p.m., and an RCMP explosive disposal unit was headed to the school.

“The principal of the school called us right away when she learned of the device and immediately evacuated all the staff and students,” said RCMP Cpl. Aaron Semmler.

Semmler said the school's prompt action allowed for the safety of all staff and students.
 
The investigation is ongoing, and RCMP will not comment on the device or how it was brought to the school.

Meanwhile, students and staff were sent home from Handsworth Secondary in North Vancouver so police could search the grounds.

"It came to the attention of the school administration that a student brought a small explosive device to school,” the school district said in a statement.

“No threats were made, and the device was quickly seized."