RCMP investigating fatal house fire in Ahousaht First Nation

RCMP investigating fatal house fire in Ahousaht First Nation
File photo.

RCMP are investigating after a house fire on the Ahousaht First Nations Reserve claimed the life of a man on Wednesday.

The Ahousaht RCMP was called to help with a structure fire on the 500-block of Main Street just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police say approximately two-dozen community members were near the scene trying to help extinguish the fire. RCMP frontline members were already in the community and immediately offered their assistance.

Once officers determined that the scene was safe for entry, they located the body of a man inside the home, who is believed to belong to the sole occupant of the house.

The Ahousaht RCMP is working in partnership with the Forensic Identification Section and the fire inspector to determine the cause of the fire.

There is nothing to indicate foul play as of yet, however, a determination will be made once the final fire inspection report is completed.

“This is a very tight-knit community and this tragedy has affected every community member along with the first responders who assisted in putting out the fire,” said Tofino Detachment commander Sergeant Todd Pebernat.

“The Nuu-Chah-Nulth Health Services have been on Island providing mental health and traditional healing services to those who were affected by this fire”

The BC Coroners Service is also investigating to determine how, where, when and by what means the man died.

Due to the privacy of the deceased, neither organization will be releasing or confirming identity.

READ MORE: First Nations sign agreement with B.C. to access COVID-19 data near their communities

Rebecca LawrenceRebecca Lawrence

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