Elliot Lake Fire Chief John Thomas says the fire department has yet to determine the cause of the fire that resulted in the destruction of the former Roman Avenue School but has deemed the blaze as suspicious in nature.
He says it took the department around 12 hours to put out the blaze with no other mutual aid departments having to be called in.
Thomas adds following a thorough investigation at the site, it was determined that no individuals were found in the building, which was occasionally used by homeless individuals.
He says the Ontario Fire Marshall office was notified, but the investigation is being carried out by the local fire department.
The school has been vacant since 2016 and was being prepared for conversion to 50 residential apartments.
Photo by Ari Menard
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