A man who passed away in a fatal house fire in Sidney on Christmas Eve has been identified and his family notified.
At approximately 3:20 p.m. on Dec. 24, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP received a report of a house fire in the 9600-block of Third St.
“Upon police attendance flames and thick black smoke was observed coming from a front window of the residence,” said a police statement.
The Sidney Fire Department responded quickly and put out the fire, police said. One occupant escaped the fire with minor injuries, however a second man was located deceased inside of the residence. Fire investigators have determined the fire was not suspicious in nature, police said.
“Sidney RCMP would like to express our sincere condolences to the man’s family. Officers would also like to thank neighbours for their assistance provided on Christmas Eve. Emergency services were contacted quickly and aid was rendered to the occupant that exited the house,” said Const. Tim Cosgrove, media relations officer for Sidney/North Saanich RCMP.
BC Coroners Services has conduct of the investigation.