On February 15, 2010, shortly before 8am, RCMP Thompson Rural Detachment and the Split Lake Fire Department were dispatched to a residential fire on Airport Road in the Community of Split Lake First Nation.
The fire has since been extinguished. One person has been located deceased in the house.
RCMP remained on scene and with the assistance of the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, will continue to investigate.
The cause of the fire is not known right now. Damage estimates are not available but the house has extensive damage. Identity will not be confirmed until an autopsy has been completed.
Update 02/19/10 3:46pm
Today the autopsy has concluded at the Health Sciences Centre and the deceased has been positively identified as a 17-year-old young woman from Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake). At the request of her family she will not be identified. The cause of death has been attributed to smoke inhalation.
The fire has been ruled as accidental and no foul play is suspected.
Sgt. Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204) 983-8497
