An investigation is ongoing into what could have sparked an early Saturday morning fire at Delta Manor Education Centre in Ladner.
Delta fire responded to the scene just before 3 a.m.
Deputy chief Guy McKintuck said the fire was contained to a storage area behind the gymnasium.
He said firefighters had the small blaze knocked down pretty quickly, which was also aided by an overhead sprinkler.
There is water, smoke and fire damage, but no estimate on the costs for the restoration, he said.
The former elementary school serves as a church and also offers adult basic education and ESL classes.
North Delta blaze lights up the sky
Eight apparatus and dozens of firefighters responded to a large fire Saturday night at a recycling facility in the 9300-block of Alaska Way across the river from Annacis Island.
Large clouds of black smoke could be seen across the Lower Mainland as firefighters battled the blaze.
"Upon arrival heavy black smoke was pouring out from the scene. A bus, boat and a structure were all full engulfed in fire," said McKintuck, adding Delta police, paramedics, Fortis BC and BC Hydro crews also responded. "Power lines were arching and a power pole was also compromised by the flames."
He said once fire crews determined that no one was inside any of the vehicles or the structure, and due to several explosions from paint cans and propane canisters, firefighters took a defensive approach in fighting the fire to not put any of their members at risk.
DPD was called to assist with traffic concerns after reports of drivers stopping on Highway 17 to snap photos and take video.
"There are not many areas where it is safe to stop and pull over on the South Fraser Perimeter Road, so our concern was for the safety of the motoring public," said public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks. "After it was determined that no other structures were at risk and there was no need to evacuate anyone else from the fire area, our officers were called in to provide extra patrols on the highway to ensure the safety of motorists."
It took several hours for the blaze to be contained. Several residents and businesses in the Nordel Way and River Road areas lost power for a few hours.
Firefighters were stationed at the scene overnight to ensure that the blaze did not spark back up.
The fire is not considered suspicious. The investigation into what caused the blaze continues.
