Two persons of interest have been identified by authorities in relation to a fire last month that destroyed a historic bowling alley in Terrace, B.C.

According to the Terrace Fire Department, the incident has been deemed suspicious. 

The blaze broke out early morning May 21, leaving the building, which stood in Terrace since the 1950s, in ruins. 

Two career firefighters were deployed from the fire hall next door in under two minutes, said Fire Chief Joel Brousson in a statement Wednesday. Nine off-duty career firefighters joined the fight not long after, along with the Thornhill Volunteer Fire Fepartment. 

When they arrived, they found the fire had spread into the roof and attic space. 

Brousson said his team has been working closely with RCMP in the weeks after the fire. 

While two persons of interest have been identified, he said the police investigation remains open. 

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the loss of a long-standing community landmark that created extraordinary memories for generations of Terrace residents,” said Brousson.

The fire investigation has wrapped up, determining the fire started at the front north exterior corner of the building.

An excavator was brought in to help firefighters battle hotspots and bring the incident under control, as much of the roof collapsed during the fire. 

The building will now be fully demolished so site remediation efforts can begin, Brousson added.

‘More than just a physical loss’

Reached by CBC News the morning of the fire, Mayor Sean Bujtas called the loss “devastating” for the community of roughly 13,000 residents.

Originally known as Barney’s Bowl, the alley was highly recognizable with its galvanized steel design and a large “bowl” sign with a bowling pin on top.

Since the news of the fire, the bowling community in northwest B.C. has raised almost $3,000 to help cover costs for bowling alley owners Keith and Theresa Moffat.

Theresa Moffat took over running the bowling alley six years ago and had five years left on her lease from the city.

“They were so happy to keep the lanes going, to provide a place for their fellow citizens to come together for fun and celebrations, and keep the sport of bowling alive and well in Terrace,” wrote fundraiser organizer Miriam Walker.

“The loss of the lanes is more than just a physical loss for Keith and Theresa. They have lost their ‘home away from home,’” she added.

In 2019, the city purchased the land it sat on and announced plans to turn it into a parking lot and firehall.

That led to a concentrated campaign from members of the community, including seniors, who said it was an important gathering space for people to celebrate and socialize.

The city decided to spare the building, and it has continued to operate until the day of the fire. 

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact RCMP.