Fire destroys Bear River band office

Digby RCMP investigating the fire, along with the Fire Marshal’s office

The Digby RCMP are investigating a fire that destroyed the Bear River First Nation band office.

On the day of the fire, the RCMP reported the fire might be suspicious.

At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday, May 13, Digby RCMP and several fire departments responded to a report of a structure fire on Reservation Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, RCMP officers observed that the band office building was fully engulfed.

Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the blaze; however, the building was deemed a total loss. An excavator had to be brought on site the tear down what remained of the burnt structure so that firefighters could put out the fire entirely.

In addition to the Bear River fire department, mutual aid was provided by the Digby, Smiths Cove, Annapolis Royal, Bridgetown and Lawrencetown fire departments.

“RCMP officers and firefighters examined the scene to attempt to gather evidence,” stated a May 13 RCMP media release. “Based on the evidence collected, it is possible that the fire was suspicious in nature.”

RCMP officers secured the scene and the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal's Office was contacted to assist with the investigation.

No one was present in the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The fire is a huge loss to the Bear River First Nation.