Thompson Hotel confirms arson as the cause of early morning fire

Photo: Brendan Kergin

The Thompson Hotel in Kamloops is confirming arson as the cause of a fire early Thursday morning (Dec.3).   

“At this point we are investigating, the incident was fully recorded on our security system. The police are investigating, we can say that it was an arson,” the hotel’s Operations Manager Pav Moore tells Castanet

The fire that took place around 12:40 a.m.

“There is quite a bit of damage but just trying to make the best of what we’ve been presented with,” Moore says. 

The hotel is open, despite the extensive damage. 

“Half of the hotel will continue to function normally, it doesn’t affect the west wing of the hotel, but it does affect the other side where the fire initially took because there is quite a bit of smoke damage to the interior of the hotel,” explains Moore.

“We have these fire doors that shut and we were able to preserve most of the hotel. So we’ve got guests in house that are comfortable and we’re running just fine as far as that end of things. But yes, the portion of the hotel which did catch fire will be closed for a little while.”  

The Noble Pig, one of the attached restaurants, is also affected. 

“They had quite a bit of damage as well...the fire was initiated in the rear of the parkade so the fire spread into their storage room,” says Moore. 

Chef and partner at The Noble Pig, Jared Summers, says they will not be able to open their doors to the public at this time. 

“We’re definitely closed today, we are likely closed tomorrow, and we’re shooting for Saturday lunch opening, but we’re kinda taking it one hour at a time right now,” Summers explains. 

While there was not a lot of physical damage to the restaurant, there is still much that needs to be done.

“There is what is called minor smoke damage, but everything is pretty tainted. Luckily we didn’t sustain any structural damage,” Summers sighs with relief. “We will certainly have to do some reworking to one of the exterior walls but we haven’t been able to get into the area entirely to access it yet, as it hasn’t been cleared by the fire inspection yet.” 

No one was physically injured in the fire at either location, but Summers highlighted the impact this has financially on his staff.  

“Everybody is really supportive, but they are visibly shaken and rattled and this is just another thing that’s really kind of putting their livelihood at stake this year,” Summers says.

Kamloops RCMP is investigating the arson.

Castanet will update this story when more information is available.