Belmont Fire file handed over to RCMP for further investigation

Firefighters covered the Belmont blaze from many directions on May 1st

The fire which consumed the Belmont Hotel on the night of May 1st remains listed as suspicious and has now been handed over to the Prince Rupert RCMP for further investigation to determine it it was a case of arson.

In notes for the media, the Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue Department has advised that with the assistance of the Fire Commissioner from Prince George, that they have completed their investigation this week and have determined that from the point that the blaze started that it was suspicious in nature. 

From that, the investigation will now be in the hands of the RCMP to determine whether there was any criminal intent from the fire.

The RCMP is in the evidence gathering element of their ongoing investigation and have nothing more  to share with the public at this time. 

All that is left of two business that once were part of the
Third Avenue Streetscape in Prince Rupert

The fire destroyed both the iconic Prince Rupert Beverage House, as well as another commercial space which once hosted Rose's Oriental Foods and Gifts. 

The Belmont Liquor store sustained significant water and smoke damage as a result of the incident and its fate is not yet known.

Should you have any information to share about the events preceding the fire on May1st, contact the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-627-3013

More notes on the work of Emergency Responders in the Northwest can be explored here.