Westsyde Gospel Hall, Kamloops, BC
From BrethrenPedia
http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=15&cat=23&id=644841&more=
Crews with Kamloops Fire and Rescue were called to a church fire Monday night, the second building blaze in as many days. "Any fire is suspicious to a fire investigator until we find out how it started," said fire inspector Dave Ferguson, who is reviewing both incidents. The most recent, on Monday night, was at the Westsyde Gospel Hall at 849 Wawn Rd. Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 9 p.m.
http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=15&cat=23&id=648394&more=
Church plans to rise from the ashes
By Gary McKenna
Staff reporter
May 14 2006
Plans to rebuild the Westsyde Gospel Hall are already in the works, after fire tore through the building last Monday night.
Members of the church are planning to rebuild on the existing foundation, while updating the structure to current standards.
"The insurance company is already on it," said John Eggers, one of three elders at the church. "They aren't really sure what is salvageable or not."
Eggers said for the time being, living rooms and rented halls will house the group until a new building can be built. The New Baptist Church also offered the use of its facility until long-term arrangements can be made.
A vehicle belonging to one
of the members of the church was in the parking lot at the time of the fire, causing Eggers and the rest of the group to fear the worst.
"My first thought was 'oh no, she is inside'," he said. As it turned out, her car had been left behind when it didn't start. "We ended up getting a hold of her at home." Built in 1980, it did not take long for fire to reduce the church to rubble at around 9 p.m. on Monday. Neighbours reported seeing two people behind the building minutes before it went up in flames. "I have phoned the police several times in the past to chase kids out of there," said Brent Cocks, a neighbour and member of the church. "They have a record of kids I had them chase out of there." But Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Fran Bethell said there is no evidence of a crime. She added police are talking to neighbours and fire investigators to find out the cause of the fire but have no plans now to lay any charges.
