1. South wing – gone 2. Frank Venables auditorium – gone 3. New school – heavily damaged ( old east wing gutted ) The Oliver Fire Department would like to thank the community for an out-pouring of support and offers of assistance during the SOSS fire. Spokesman Spencer Tribbick says the fireman really appreciate the […]
Archives for September 2011
A note from the Publisher
There was a lot of emotion at the high school overnight and this morning. Much of it was stunned silence. Memories. One word statements and answers like: sad, devastating, terrible, loss. I talked to a number of retired teachers – who had some difficulty expressing how they felt. Long term teachers at SOSS had vested a large part […]
Fire all but out – sad day, devasting blaze
MLA John Slater visited the fire scene this morning and said he was devastated by the loss of such an iconic building. Bev Young SD #53 Superintendent of Schools says the plan at the moment is to notify all high school students not to come to the school and for board staff to assess options. Young […]
Flames are consuming the fuel – an old school
Most of the old school is going or gone. A lot of the new part of SOSS in Oliver is gone as well. Some parts of the school including the new gymnasium and the shops/portables appear to be intact. No classes today for secondary school students. The building was constructed in 1948 and renovations began […]
Mayor says fire is tragic
Mayor Pat Hampson has been on the scene for several hours and when a TV camera caught up with him – he said “this morning’s fire is a real tragedy in so many ways” and he hopes as many parts of the school can be saved as possible. Hampson had been called by Fire Chief Danny […]
Hang on auditorium
Over exposed photograph at about 4 am – main part of fight is concentrated at back of stage area. Fire and smoke creeping along roof line. Walls on outside near the rear starting to crumble.
Effort to save Frank Venables auditorium
Extra water is being pumped into the Oliver system to help fight the fire at the South Okanagan Secondary School. Wells not normally used at this time of year have been activated to keep fire pressure intact. Fireman are directed to save as much as possible of the historic school auditorium and newer sections of the school. Picture […]
SOSS ablaze – building fully engaged
It’s a bad dream. A shock to the system. It is unbelievable but our old high school is now gutted by fire. (3:15 am) Phone call wakes me and says school on fire. The newly renovated SOSS is ablaze with fire trucks everywhere – attempting to save it but the inferno is too much and […]