SIKSIKA, Alta. — Three people are dead after a house fire in a First Nation community in southern Alberta.
The Siksika First Nation, southeast of Calgary, said an early morning blaze on Saturday left three Nation members dead. It did not provide the ages or relationships of the deceased.
Siksika Fire Rescue, Siksika Mental Health and Wellness Services, RCMP and emergency medical services responded to the fire.
EMS spokesman Stuart Brideaux said first responders made it to the home around 5 a.m. An adult female was pulled from the flames but life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.
She was pronounced dead on scene.
"The fire had grown to the point where they were no longer able to do any interior searches," said Brideaux. "Reports were that the home was fully engulfed."
The First Nation's chief and council are asking for privacy after the tremendous loss.
"These types of incidents are devastating not only for the families of the deceased but for the first responders and community as a whole," they said in a statement.
RCMP spokesperson Tammy Keibel said an investigation is ongoing but the fire has been deemed non-suspicious.
She said police will not be releasing any additional details on those who died at the request of the First Nation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2022.
The Canadian Press
