A series of suspected arsons at Abbotsford schools has escalated, with a third fire deliberately set at a portable classroom early Thursday morning, police say.
The latest incident occurred at approximately 12:28 a.m. on April 17th at Godson Elementary School. Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to a portable classroom and caused only minor damage. Investigators have since confirmed the fire was intentionally set.
It marks the third such attack on school property in less than a week.
The first fire was reported in the early morning hours of April 13th at the Bakerview Centre for Learning. Two days later, on April 15th at around 3:14 a.m., a second fire was discovered at the same location — again targeting a portable classroom. That incident also resulted in minor damage and was confirmed as arson.
All three fires occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., raising concerns among parents and school officials.
The Abbotsford Police Department’s Major Crime Unit has taken the lead on the investigation. Detectives are in the early stages of their work and have deployed additional resources to determine whether the incidents are connected.
“These investigations are ongoing, and we are examining all available evidence,” police said in a statement. No arrests have been made to date.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near Bakerview Centre for Learning or Godson Elementary School during the early morning hours of April 13th, 15th, and 17th. Dash-camera footage from those areas between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. could also prove critical.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.
