North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say they’ve now confirmed three people have died in a fire that broke out in the 1600 block of Maple Bay Road early this morning.
Initial reports by RCMP on Monday said one person was presumed to have been the only victim, but later reports indicated two additional victims were added to the list on Wednesday.
Police say several units from North Cowichan, Maple Bay, Crofton and Chemainus were called to the blaze that fully engulfed the home after neighbours heard an explosion from the single dwelling home.
North Cowichan Fire Chief Ron French says the home was a single-family dwelling, with a rental suite in the basement, but adds it is still not confirmed if the home was vacant during the blaze.
“We do know the people who lived upstairs weren’t home,” he says. “There was one person from downstairs, but we haven’t been able to determine anything about them.”
He says the investigation is still fresh, but they will continue to work alongside the office of the fire commissioner, the in-house investigator and RCMP to determine what happened.
He adds so far, they’re not saying the fire was suspicious, but they also don’t have all the facts yet.
“It hasn’t been ruled out, the neighbours reported an explosion around 9:30, they looked out their back window and saw flames coming out,” he says.
French says although the fire destroyed the home completely, the response of all local detachments are to be commended for their quick rollout in response to the morning blaze.
Officials say the investigation is open and remains ongoing, but anyone with information is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
