Town applauds fire department

The Tuc-El-Nuit Elementary school's gymnasium was packed with some 275 people Thursday night.

The crowd gathered to hear the operational plans for the 489 students who are without a high school to attend.

Older parts of Southern Okanagan Secondary School burned to the ground on the morning of Monday September 12.

Photo: Contributed - Jack Bennest

Now, portables will be used to house the students until newer sections of the 29 million dollar project can be brought on line including gyms, science rooms and a cafeteria.

Not all of the recreation areas like the gym and cafeteria, were destroyed but they were heavily damaged rendering them unuseable.

Grade 10,11 and 12 students will get the first portables available, and will report Monday to the remaining high school.

Grade 8 and 9 students will pick up course material at the Oliver Catholic church and use that as base of operation for some time.

Bev Young, new Superintendent of Schools, says it is amazing what staff have been able to do in such a short time between the fire and this meeting in getting a new school year organized.

The meeting heard comments about asbestos in an old wing, the suspicious nature of the fire and what parts of the building are covered by insurance.  They also learned samples of fire debris will be analysed and a report received within about 60 days.

RCMP say no suspects are in custody, but they are actively investigating the fire and its undetermined origin.

Sergeant Ken Harrington said a member of the fire department was on the scene before the 911 call was received at about 2:20 a.m.

The crowd was pleased with the performance of fire crews in this incident and gave a standing ovation to it's members including Chief Danny Skaros, shouting "job well done."

With files from the Oliver Daily News.