(UPDATE: July 28 @ 11:35 am) – A house fire that broke out in the North Okanagan last week has been confirmed to be fatal.
The fire broke out on July 24 and when the Coldstream Fire Department responded, they found the house was fully involved. Sadly, it was completely destroyed.
An initial examination revealed what the police believe to be human remains inside.
A news release from the RCMP said one occupant of the house was unaccounted for and investigators believed the person was trapped inside the home.
Sadly, the RCMP confirmed on Monday that the occupant of the home died in the fire.
Police said the victim has been identified and the family notified.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time,” said Constable Chris Terleski.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Although the investigation is ongoing, criminality is not a suspected cause.
The BC Coroners and fire investigators continue to investigate what caused the fire.
(Original story: July 25 @ 10:23 am) – One person has died in a house fire in the North Okanagan.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP were called to help the Coldstream Fire Department, who responded to the fire on Kalview Drive.
The fire was reported on Thursday around 2:30 pm, a news release said.
When firefighters extinguished the fire, an initial examination revealed what the police believe to be human remains inside the "severely" damaged structure.
The news release said one occupant of the home remains unaccounted for and is believed to have been inside at the time and unable to escape the fire.
The BC Coroners Service have been notified and will be helping with the investigation.
“Given the conditions at the scene, confirming the potential remains and determining the circumstances surrounding the fire will take some time,” states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.
“We’re still very early in our investigation and right now our priority is to ensure the safety of those examining the site and preserving any potential evidence.”
Police said the scene will be secured until a more detailed examination can take place.
No other information was made available at this time but Cst. Terleski said the RCMP will release more details once they know more.
