(via Tereza Verenca)

9 p.m.

Asst. fire chief Robb Schoular says the fire is under control, although still burning.

The building is a complete loss, he tells KamloopsMatters.

"Right now, we are in a defensive mode. We are surrounding and drowning. We are putting out hot spots. We are not going into the building, just due to the collapse hazards," he says.

Around 25 to 30 KFR members are responding.

Schoular couldn't give a cause at this time.

Huge confidence in SD73 Chair @kkarpuk, our board of education, district senior staff, and the Parkcrest school community. Tough day. We will rebound and rebuild. — Arjun Singh (@arjunsingh) September 6, 2019

"It's too early to tell."

Firefighters are expected to be at the school well into the evening. KFR is asking residents to stay away from the area while crews work.

Meanwhile, the school district has published a news release on its website, advising the public that the school will be closed until further notice.

"Families are asked to make alternate arrangements for the supervision of their children beginning Friday, September 6 and for the following week, September 9 through to September 13," reads the statement. "District staff are developing a plan to ensure the emotional well-being and education of students."

The school district called today's fire devastating for students and staff.

"Children may experience varied reactions to this event, including trouble sleeping, concentrating or listening," says superintendent Alison Sidow in the release.

Parents are being encouraged to listen, observe and note any changes in their child's behaviour.

Emotional support was offered this evening at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Parkcrest Avenue.

For the school district's full statement, check out their Facebook post below.

7:44 p.m.

The city says it has reached out to the school district to offer any help by extending the use of other facilities to help the children and teachers of Parkcrest Elementary get back to soon as soon as possible.

For updates, click HERE.

A cause is unknown at this hour.

My thoughts are with Parkcrest Elementary staff, students and families tonight as the school is engulfed in flames. Everyone is safe and the challenges of this school year will be large, but this is a strong community and all of #Kamloops will help with the rebuild. #sd73 #bced — Cecile McVittie (@CecileMcVittie) September 6, 2019

7:03 p.m.

In a statement on its website, the City of Kamloops says KFR has confirmed that everyone at Parkcrest Elementary is safe.

The school district will be sending out a message to all parents and staff about next steps.

"Please stay clear of the scene and let firefighters and first responders do their work," reads the statement.

6:45 p.m.

Crews are still trying to put out the fire.

When KamloopsMatters arrived on scene, flames could be seen from the roof.

Around 80 people are gathered across the street watching.

You can feel the heat from this angle. KFR working hard to knock this thing down. #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/wSN7Adox5c — Tereza Verenca (@tverenca) September 6, 2019

Police have moved everyone back, to the church parking lot. Huge flames now. #Kamloops @KamloopsMatters pic.twitter.com/Ur74ZH1JQO — Tereza Verenca (@tverenca) September 6, 2019

Overheard passersby say: ‘This is insane’ and ‘I’ve never seen anything like it.’ #Kamloops — Tereza Verenca (@tverenca) September 6, 2019

5:35 p.m.

Kamloops Fire Rescue is responding to a fire at Parkcrest Elementary in Brock.

KamloopsMatters has called KFR, but staff are too busy to provide information at this time.

We will update this story when we follow up.

More to come...

Kamloops Parkcrest elem on fire pic.twitter.com/iLkyl8lCuz — dido (@IvonaPlay) September 6, 2019