Fatal First Nation Fire - Three feared dead at Anahim Lake

[Fatal First Nation Fire]

Fatal First Nation Fire - Three feared dead at Anahim Lake . . .

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy,Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

March 3, 2005

RCMP in British Columbia are asking for assistance in their investigation of an apparent killer fire in Ulkatcho First Nation’s reserve at Anahim Lake. Several people are missing and their whereabouts has not been determined.

Because of the possibility that the fire has claimed lives, the RCMP is also working with representatives from the First Nations Emergency Services Society to address the community needs and provide victim assistance and counselling.

The Anahim Lake RCMP along with the resources from Williams Lake RCMP Detachment and the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner are investigating the possible multiple fatal fire.

Tuesday night police were called to the scene of a fire on the 2 Mile Reserve and discovered a house fully engulfed in flames.

Local firefighters from the Ulkatcho First Nations Band also attended and worked throughout the night to put out the fire.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that a number of people had been in and out of the home prior to the fire. Police are working to determine who was in the home and determine who may be unaccounted for.

At this time it is feared that as many as three people that are unaccounted for, may have died in the fire.

Police are working with those families of the missing and community to determine their whereabouts.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Police are requesting that anyone who may have any information in connection with the file to contact the Anahim Lake RCMP at 250-742-3211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.