Nanaimo Track and Field Club pole vault equipment torched in suspicious fire

A shed containing Nanaimo Track and Field Club's pole vault equipment was destroyed in a suspicious fire last week. (CTV News)

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a storage shed belonging to Nanaimo Track and Field Club.

The shed housed the club’s pole vault equipment, meaning it won’t be able to offer pole vault at its competitions this spring, according to head coach Wanda Urbanoiwicz.

The fire is believed to have started before 5 a.m. on Feb. 9 at the Rotary Bowl, behind Serauxmen Stadium on Third Street.

“What we’re looking for is any suspicious activity: Somebody running from the area, sounds, car, bicycles, whatever it is,” said R/Const. Gary O’Brien, of Nanaimo RCMP.

The club says it has insurance and estimates the replacement costs for the lost equipment to be around $100,000.

There is some older equipment still in the club’s possession, but its advanced pole vaulters will likely have to train elsewhere, Urbanoiwicz said.

Anyone with information about the suspicious fire is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.