A burn scar on the roof of Westmount Elementary in Kamloops as seen around 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2025. (Image Credit: Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

Suspicious School Fire

Westmount Elementary to remain closed until further notice after suspicious overnight fire

Oct 26, 2025 | 2:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — Students and staff at Westmount Elementary in Kamloops will be out of class on Monday (Oct. 27) after a suspicious fire at the school that police say was likely set on purpose.

The Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73) also said the school at 745 Walkem Road will be closed until further notice, and that there will no access “for several weeks.”

“The District and school staff [are making] a transition and relocation plan for students,” SD73 said in a statement. “Westmount parents have been asked to make alternate arrangements for the supervision of their children [on Monday].”

According to SD73, Westmount students and staff will be relocated to a nearby school so classes can resume on Tuesday, Oct. 28. It’s not clear if students will be kept in one location or whether they will be sent to schools across Brocklehurst and the North Shore.

“An update will be sent to staff and parents by tomorrow afternoon with further details on the next steps for the transition and relocation plans, including updates on transportation and supports for students,” SD73 added Sunday.

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Fire tape at Westmount Elementary in Kamloops as seen around 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2025. (Image Credit: Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today)

The school district previously said that the fire was quickly extinguished thanks to a “rapid response” from Kamloops Fire Rescue. District staff are currently working with the Fire Inspector to determine a cause and extent of the damage.

They’re also working to initiate the remediation work that will be needed because of fire and water damage.

“Further updates about Westmount Elementary School will be shared as they become available in the coming days and weeks,” SD73 added.

This is the second school building in Kamloops to catch fire in the past six years.

A rebuilt Parkcrest Elementary School opened last year, after the former school was completely destroyed in September 2019.