Police have confirmed that one person is dead following a house fire on the K’atl’odeeche First Nation Reserve near Hay River Wednesday.
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RCMP say they arrived on the scene around 5:30 p.m to find the house fully engulfed in flames.
Other media reports suggest the roof of the building collapsed after it caught fire and that firefighters were on the scene late into the night.
One woman was rescued from the home and transported to the Hay River Regional Health Centre for medical treatment.
Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters were able to enter the building, where they confirmed one person was dead inside.
The name and gender of the victim haven’t been released at this time.
The territory’s chief coroner and RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit have been called in to investigate.
Hay River Mayor Brad Mapes says his thoughts are with the victims.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the KFN community for their loss of life from the house fire,” he wrote in a Facebook status published early Thursday morning.
“Our community of Hay River will mourn together and help move forward. I give my thanks to the RCMP, Fire Chef [Ross] Potter and our fire department for their work.”
I'm very sad to learn of the fire on the K'atl'odeeche Reserve that has tragically resulted in loss of life. My thought are with you all
— Kieron Testart (@KieronTestart) February 16, 2017
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hay River RCMP at (867)874-1111, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
