Coral Harbour (Sep 24/03) - The Coral Harbour, RCMP and fire department were called out to an arson fire at Sakku school.

The fire started on Sept. 9 at about 11:30 p.m. outside the entrance of the school.

The fire destroyed the front porch of the school but the school has suffered water and smoke damage. The fire department confirmed it was arson.

RCMP are estimating the cost of the damage at over $30,000 for materials alone. The repairs could go as high as $100,000.

Jim Amundrud, principal of Sakku school, said the school has been closed since Wednesday because of all the damage. "The school was open on Monday, in the morning, but we closed again. The teachers and students were becoming sick from the smoke smell," he said. "We're waiting for word when we can reopen," he added.

Amundrud explained if the school is closed for a long period of time it will have an impact on students and their classes. As for the safety concerns, Amundrud said their first priority is to make sure there are no health hazards for the students. Coral Harbour RCMP have some suspects but no charges have been laid.