THE Mabaruma, North West Secondary School building was completely destroyed by a fire of unknown origin Friday night.

The two-storey wood and concrete building consisted of an auditorium, six classrooms, and a Home Economics Department – all of which had an undisclosed amount of stationery, desks and benches, chalk boards, computers, laboratory equipment, kitchen utensils and other items.

Police Headquarters noted that Mark Knights, a security guard of Baranobo Hill, Mabaruma, was on duty at the front gate in his guard hut when he heard three loud explosions which he said emanated from a room located on the second floor of the eastern side of the building. Upon investigating, he saw the room engulfed in flames.

He made his way to the Mabaruma Police Station and lodged a report. With help from members of the Joint Services and the public, the fire was extinguished -but most of the building was damaged.