Gabriola RCMP and Island District RCMP General Investigation Services are trying to determine what caused a fire that claimed a life on Gabriola Island early Monday.
Firefighters from Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department were called out to a house fire in the 800 block of Keith Drive at 5:30 a.m. and arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters found one person dead in the residence and called Gabriola RCMP to investigate. The B.C. Coroners Service has also been notified.
Cpl. Darren Lagan, Island District RCMP spokesman, said in a press release that Gabriola RCMP and RCMP Island District General Investigation Services are currently working to determine the cause of the fire, but the investigation is in its early stages and police have not determined the cause of the fire or if it was in any way suspicious in nature.
The B.C. Coroners Service is also working to determine the victim's cause of death.
Police are offering no further information about the victim at this time.