UPDATE:
~Released by Prince Rupert RCMP
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on August 4 the Prince Rupert RCMP were requested to assist the Prince Rupert Fire Department with a fire at the Prince Rupert Totem Lanes Bowling Centre, located at 1241 Prince George Street in Prince Rupert. The bowling center was engulfed in flames at the time of police arrival.
At the time of this release, the Prince Rupert Fire Department is still on scene controlling the fire.
The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation, but is being treated as suspicious in nature.
The Prince Rupert RCMP are asking anyone with any information regarding these fires to contact them at 250-627-0700 or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
ORIGINAL:
Prince Rupert firefighters were called to the former Totem Lanes bowling alley early this morning (Monday, Aug. 4).
Firefighters were alerted at approximately 4 a.m. and when they arrived they found the vacant building fully-involved.
Thick smoke blanketed the area as police cordoned off several blocks surrounding the Chamberlin Ave. building. As of 8 a.m., the area is still blocked off.
One firefighter told the Northern View at the scene that the building was likely a complete loss.
"I haven't been in there in a while ... but I think it will have to be torn down," he said.
The building, which has been for sale and vacant for some time, was singled out last year as a possible site for a community youth centre.