One Person Confirmed Deceased, Nine Others Treated for Smoke Inhalation

SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION – REGIONAL NEWS – A tragic house fire in Sandy Lake First Nation is now under active investigation after one person was confirmed dead and nine others were treated for injuries.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), stationed in Sandy Lake, received an emergency call shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, reporting a residential structure fire in the community.

Upon arrival, police observed the home fully engulfed in flames, with local firefighters already on scene working to bring the blaze under control.

Nine People Escape, Treated for Injuries

Nine individuals were able to escape the burning home and were treated at the community nursing station for injuries consistent with smoke inhalation.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., police confirmed the discovery of a deceased person inside the residence. The identity of the deceased has not been released at this time.

A secure perimeter was established, and a comprehensive investigation is now underway.

Multi-Agency Investigation Launched

The investigation is being led by the NAPS Crime Unit, with support from:

• Ontario Provincial Police Forensic Identification Unit

• Office of the Chief Coroner

• Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office

Authorities continue to work collaboratively to determine the origin and cause of the fire, as well as the circumstances leading to the fatality.

No further information is being released at this time out of respect for the ongoing investigation and the affected families.