EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally said the fire was non-criminal when it was published on August 2. The next day, the Edmonton Police Service issued a correction saying they provided the wrong information, and the fire was being investigated as arson.
Edmonton police have determined a roof fire at school under construction in the west end was intentionally set.
The fire happened on Saturday, May 6 at Kim Hung School at 62 Avenue and Winterburn Road.
Earlier this year, sources told Global News the fire began when a membrane on the roof heated up and then ignited other materials. Someone driving by noticed flames and smoke coming from the roof of the school and called 911.
READ MORE: Fire at west Edmonton school caused by heating protective layer on roof
Edmonton Fire Rescue handed the investigation over to police, who determined the fire was arson. No suspects have been identified. The damage was contained to the roof above the mechanical room, gym and library.
The school in the Granville neighbourhood will open to approximately 900 students in January 2018 as planned.
It was originally set to open this fall, however, earlier this year Edmonton Public Schools said both Kim Hung School and Shauna May Seneca School were experiencing construction delays, so students wouldn’t move in until after the Christmas break.
Students who register at Kim Hung School for 2017-2018 will attend the nearby Michael Phair School until the winter break.
READ MORE: 2 Edmonton schools scheduled to open in September won’t be ready
A damage estimate from the fire has not been released.
— With files from Emily Mertz, Global News
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