The Commercial Pub in Prince Rupert will have to be torn down following a fire that broke out Sunday night.
"The structural integrity has been compromised and it has to come down ... the damage was severe. The whole structural wall between the first and second floor suffered serious damage. That compromised the roof. We couldn't put people on it and when we went back [on Monday] with a backhoe to get to some of it, a large portion of the roof collapsed in on itself," said fire chief Dave Mckenzie.
"We had the majority of the fire out in under two hours, but had to keep chasing hotspots for the next three to four hours."
The fire department and RCMP are continuing to investigate the case of the blaze, but Mackenzie said it is suspicious in nature.
"Police are however looking to speak with several young people who had been seen in the area shortly before first responders were called," said Const. Matt Ericson.