Arson confirmed cause of fire that destroyed Mother Wood Timber Mart

Police confirmed Wednesday the fire that destroyed a hardware store in Happy Valley-Goose Bay was arson.

The Mother Wood Timber Mart on Kelland Drive was totally flattened by an early morning fire on April 19.

RCMP said later that day they believed the fire was deliberately set.

"The investigation did determine that was indeed arson," RCMP Cpl. Rick Mills said Wednesday.

"We can confirm that the building was illegally entered, and the building was then set on fire. It was definitely the criminal act of arson."

The Timber Mart, originally built in 2013, was up for sale with a price tag of $4.5 million.

During peak business, it employed about 16 people. At the time of the fire, owner Morris Hill said it was "total devastation" for his family.

Police did not say if they have any suspects.

The major crime unit from St. John's and the police canine unit are involved in the investigation, which is ongoing.

Forensic analysis and interviews are still being done, Mills said, and anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.