File Photo of Marion Schilling Elementary. (Image Credit: SD73)

By Victor Kaisar

Campfire Found

No damage caused after campfire discovered outside Marion Schilling Elementary in Kamloops

Oct 31, 2025 | 11:04 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73) says there was no damage caused to Marion Schilling Elementary in Valleyview after a campfire was discovered outside the school early Thursday (Oct. 30) morning.

In an email to parents, principal Claire Sullivan said there was no physical damage to the school and that it was safe for students and staff to attend class.

“The RCMP have been notified and the mess has been cleaned up,” Sullivan wrote. “In light of recent events at Westmount Elementary, this incident can be upsetting to students and should your child need any additional supports with questions that may come up, please contact the office.”

In a statement to CFJC, Chelsea Isenor, SD73’s Director of Communications, said staff at Marion Schilling noticed evidence of an extinguished fire outside the school on the pavement by one of the classroom doors.

“The principal informed District staff and reported the incident to the RCMP right away,” Isenor added. “Parents were informed of the situation later in the morning.”

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In a separate statement, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dana Napier told CFJC that the fire had been set outside the back doors of the school building.

“There was no damage, and it has been cleaned up, however, any evidence of fire found around a structure is always concerning as there is a great potential for loss,” Napier said.

Isenor also said there are no updates yet regarding the status of Westmount Elementary following last Sunday’s (Oct. 26) suspicious fire that is believed to have been intentionally set. The school building will remain closed until further notice.

After two days off, Westmount students resumed classes at three schools – Kay Bingham Elementary, George Hilliard Elementary, and Parkcrest Elementary – on Wednesday this week.

“Once we know more about the timeline for reopening Westmount Elementary, we will share an update,” Isenor added.

Napier also said there are no updates from Kamloops RCMP regarding the investigation into the fire at Westmount Elementary. Police were previously asking potential witnesses to call the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2025-35751.