The naval unit of the Costa Rican Fire Department confirmed a fire that affected the historic building of the command headquarters in San Lucas Island in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The two level structure, of just 100 square meters was burned to the ground.

The Judicial Investigative Police is conducting an investigation in the Island, and according to the preliminary information the fire was caused by vandalism; cans of beer, evidence of a campfire and trash were found in the place.

San Lucas Island is located off the Gulf of Nicoya, 5.4 miles from Puntarenas and has an area of less than 500 hectares. The Island used to be a prison, initially where thieves and petty offenders were sent but later a place where the most dangerous criminals were sent. The prison was closed in 1991 and is now a Historical Center while the Island in itself is a wildlife refuge.

Apparently a group of people arrived at the island late on Friday night after the security personnel had left the area.

The fire also caused some damage to the chapel that is next to the command headquarters, and which was recently restored.

This Monday, personnel of the National System of Areas of Conservation will visit the Island to evaluate the damages caused and to determine the measures that need to be taken to avoid situations like this from happening again.