One man is suspected to have died in a blaze that tore through the Fraser Lake Shopping Centre last weekend.
According to RCMP, officers were called to a structure fire at the Fraser Lake Inn at about 3 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 22.
“Upon arrival, police discovered that a person had re-entered the Inn and was still outstanding. Officers attempted to search the building but were pushed back by heavy smoke,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark.
The Fraser Lake Fire Department, alongside nearby community fire crews, extinguished the flames, but the building was ultimately destroyed, and the neighbouring supermarket, cannabis shop, and empty restaurant were heavily damaged.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the search for the missing person is underway; however, the site remains unsafe for personnel due to heat and toxic off-gassing,” said Clark. “Tragically, it is believed that the outstanding person has likely died in the fire.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown; however, RCMP say there is nothing to indicate criminality at this time.
The Village of Fraser Lake is expecting to lift water restrictions today, as water levels in the community reservoir continue to rise, following the fire. However, the village is asking residents to “continue using water only for essential needs so the system can return to safe and stable levels.”