The Pas school fire deemed arson by RCMP

A fire that seriously damaged Mary Duncan School in The Pas, Man., over the weekend is being investigated by RCMP as an arson case.

Firefighters were called to the school at around 2 a.m. Sunday, but large plumes of smoke were seen coming from the building by the time crews arrived.

• The Pas scrambles after fire heavily damages school, daycare

No one was injured, according to police.

Police had originally said the fire was not suspicious, but they announced on Wednesdaythat further investigation and additional evidence have prompted them to treat the caseas arson.

Manitoba's Office of the Fire Commissioner is helping with the investigation.

The fire has left staff at the school scrambling to find temporary spaces for 250 students and daycare children.

The school building housed a daycare for 45 children and an alternative school for students in Grades 5 to 12 as well as an adult education program.

Anyone with information related to the Mary Duncan School fire is asked to call The Pas RCMP at (204) 627-6204 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.