New band office destroyed by fire in northern Manitoba, police say it was arson
Office was recently built and just waiting for windows to be installed
The new band office in Bunibonibee Cree Nation has burned to the ground and RCMP say the fire was started on purpose.
Emergency crews were called about the fire in the northern Manitoba community around 5 a.m. on Sunday.
Smoke could be seen flowing from the building, and within a very short time, the structure was engulfed in flames and destroyed, RCMP said in a news release on Wednesday. No injuries were reported.
A preliminary investigation determined the cause to be arson, police said.
The newly constructed building was a step away from being completed. The windows had yet to be installed, an RCMP spokesperson said.
RCMP have spoken to numerous witnesses and ask anyone who has yet to speak with officers to contact the detachment at 204-538-2046.
Bunibonibee is about 180 kilometres southeast of Thompson, Man.