Fatal residential fire in Sandy Lake First Nation under investigation

Tim Brody - Editor

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a house fire in Sandy Lake First Nation on May 22 that tragically left one person deceased. 
Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation
detachment received a call for service regarding a residential fire in the community shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22.
“When police arrived on scene, they observed a home engulfed in flames and community firefighters actively working toward extinguishing the blaze.
“Nine people escaped and received treatment at the community nursing station for injuries consistent with smoke inhalation,” NAPS informed in a May 23 media release.
Police confirmed the discovery of a deceased person inside the home shortly after 4:15 p.m.
 A scene was established, and an investigation into the fire and death remain ongoing.
Members of the NAPS Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Unit, Office of the Chief Coroner and representatives of the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office are now involved in the ongoing investigation.