UPDATE: Tuesday’s fire on Nicol Street, in which three people were found dead, has been ruled as accidental.
Tuesday’s fire on Nicol Street, in which three people were found dead, has been ruled as accidental, according to Nanaimo Fire Rescue.
“This tragic event resulted in loss of life to three people and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and extended families at this time,” said Karen Fry, fire chief, in a press release.
Investigators say the fire was most likely caused by unattended candles. The fire investigation is now complete.
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PREVIOUSLY POSTED: Nanaimo RCMP have confirmed a seven-year-old girl is among the victims of a Nanaimo house fire that killed three people today.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, police confirmed the bodies of the girl and two adults were found in a Nicol Street residence when officials responded to a house fire at about 12:30 p.m.
“This is a terrible tragedy to hit our community,” Cpl. Jon Stuart said in the statement. “We are working with the fire department to investigate this incident.”
The RCMP Serious Crime Unit and the coroner’s office are also part of the investigation, which police described as likely to be lengthy due to the complexity of cases involving fires.
Multiple emergency services secured the area at 754 Nicol St. at about 12:30 p.m.
The statement goes on to indicate family has been notified, as well as School District 68 officials, where the girl was a student. However the names of the deceased are not being released at this time.
A media conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday morning in Nanaimo.
#Nanaimo #Fire @NanaimoBulletin Multiple emergency services dealing with aftermath of fire 754 Nicol St.
— Nanaimo Bulletin (@NanaimoBulletin) October 10, 2017
Details from authorities pending. pic.twitter.com/eombbsWNkn