Police look for mystery woman in Sikh school fire in Vancouver

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A Khalsa School student won an award for this poster made for B.C. Firefighters burn fund.

By Salim Jiwa

VANCOUVER – Police and Vancouver fire investigators have evidence a blaze that destroyed a Sikh elementary school was arson and they are looking for a mystery woman who triggered the fire alarm.

Investigators are now reporting there were two females inside the Khalsa School in south Vancouver at the time a 911 call was made.

One was identified by police as a staff member who entered the school at 7:45 a.m. smelled smoke and dialed 911 to report it.

But police cannot shed light on another woman who was in the building at the same time.

“At 7:45 a.m. on the morning of July 30th a staff member entered the school and called 9-1-1 when she smelled smoke,” said Vancouver Police spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness.

“As she was on the phone with 9-1-1 a second female ran up to the school, pulled the fire alarm and yelled at the staff member to get out,” said McGuinness.

“Vancouver Police Arson investigators are confirming that the fire at the Vancouver Khalsa School on the morning of July 30th was deliberately set and are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a possible witness,” she said.

“VPD Arson investigators are appealing for the woman who pulled the fire alarm to contact them as she may have important information relating to this investigation,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the VPD Arson Squad at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers.