RCMP continue to investigate after a mother and two children were found deceased following a fire at a residence on 99th Street Thursday. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW

RCMP investigation

‘It’s tragic, it’s horrible’: Neighbours speak on mother and children located deceased after house fire

Jun 5, 2020 | 4:15 PM

The investigation continues after a house fire in North Battleford, that left a mother and her two children dead.

The cause of yesterday’s blaze, which occurred on the 1400 block of 99th Street, isn’t known. Police said the three deceased were a 39-year-old woman, a seven-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. Investigators have notified family members of the deaths.

The North Battleford fire department responded to the fire Thursday at 2:26 p.m. The department released a statement on Friday which said attending members found light smoke coming from the back end of the house. When the first fire crew arrived, they entered the residence where three individuals – a mother and her two children – were found deceased. The fire department indicated they would not provide further comment on the incident as it remains under RCMP jurisdiction.

Investigators are also working to determine the events leading up to the report of the fire. The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit are assisting. Police believe it is an isolated incident.

“I just heard about [the incident] and it’s tragic,” a neighbour who did not wish to provide his name said. “It’s very sad about what happened to those children. Hopefully they find something about what happened very soon.”

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The man said he and his wife “don’t really have any concerns with our safety here. We have been here for about 25 years and we don’t have any concerns.” RCMP said earlier Friday there was no concern for public safety.

Another area resident who also did not want to be identified said she has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 25 years.

“It’s tragic, it’s horrible,” the resident said. “I’m so sorry for the family.”

The road leading to the house was blocked off Thursday. It was initially open to traffic early Friday morning, then later closed again to all but local traffic.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Rob King said police are currently not releasing the names of the deceased. He said there was no one else in the house at the time of the fire.

He said an autopsy will be completed early next week to determine the causes of death.

King said police have not determined whether or not the incident involved any foul play. He also said he could not say whether there are any suspects at this point, as the matter is under investigation. There have been no arrests related to the incident to date.

While there was a fire at the house, King confirmed there was not a lot of fire damage to the residence.

“This is a tragic incident,” King said. “I think everyone has to realize how difficult this must be for the families involved, and how difficult this must be for the community involved. When they lose children within the community, all members of the community are affected. I think it is important to give the families time to grieve and come to terms with what has happened to their loved ones.”

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