ROGERSVILLE, NB — Flattened by fire last year, Rogersville village’s municipal building was recently rebuilt — only to be struck by fire yet again.
On Saturday, village citizens watched as the new municipal building, which also housed police and fire services, went up in flames.
“When the firemen got there they were pretty upset because it was a little bit of a déjà vu from January of 2012,” said Village General Manager, Angele McCaie.
Fire destroyed the roof, but she says the furniture and equipment wasn’t damaged.
The village office had just moved in, while the fire department hadn’t had the chance yet.
“It was disbelief, everyone thought it was a joke, it can’t be happening again, it’s too awful to imagine,” she said.
A neighbour who saw the smoke and called 911.
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This time, RCMP are not calling the fire accidental.
“We ‘re dealing with a brand new building and so initially there was some concern there. We did an examination of the scene, with forensic identification and the fire marshal and as a result of our investigation we’ve determined it’s arson,” said Staff Sergeant Jeff Johnston.
RCMP are continuing their investigation, and asking anyone who might have seen anything on Saturday morning, to come forward.
The building was still under the authority of the contractor, and insurance will cover the costs of the damage.
McCaie is now calling a temporary office building home for the next month, while the building is repaired.
“I think with the fire of last year, the citizens of Rogersville and the municipality can pretty much power through anything. This is just another hiccup. It’s frustrating, but we’ll make it through,” McCaie said.
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