RCMP have confirmed a structure fire in the early morning of June 1 involved a fatality.
Drumheller emergency crews responded to a call for a house fire in the 800 block of 2 Avenue, north of McConkey Park at approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. Drumheller RCMP released a press statement asking the public to avoid travelling to this area to allow emergency personnel to safely do their jobs.
The fire was extinguished, and the Alberta Fire Investigators and the Alberta Forensic Identification Section were on the scene for the remainder of the day.
Alberta RCMP Southern Alberta District Media Relations Officer Cpl. Gina Slaney confirmed there was a fatality in the fire and, following an autopsy, the fatality was deemed not suspicious.
Newcastle resident Jamie O’Brien saw the smoke from his home shortly before 7 a.m. When he arrived at the scene he noted the resident’s vehicle was still at the home. He banged on the door and smashed the front window out. He went to the rear of the house and it was fully engulfed.
“I kicked the back door in and looked into the kitchen and discharged the 30-pound extinguisher I had,” said O’Brien.
He called for the occupant but there was no response.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, it is really quite sad,” he said. “I tried everything I could.”
Mr. O’Brien sustained minor injuries at the scene and was treated by EMS.
The Drumheller Fire Department arrived shortly after and extinguished the fire.
