Two senior residents have died following a residential fire Saturday night in the Yankee Flats area of Electoral Area D.

The Silver Creek Fire Department responded to a report of a fully involved structure fire at approximately 8:30 p.m. on January 24, with the Falkland Fire Department also dispatched to assist.

According to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), the fire originated in a recreational vehicle (RV) that had been modified with constructed add-ons. A 911 call placed by a resident outside the unit reported that the structure was actively burning and flames were visible inside.

Despite a prompt response from firefighters, the residence was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived on scene. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas.

Once the fire was brought under control, preliminary investigations confirmed that two occupants of the residence had died.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these two people,” said Columbia Shuswap Regional Fire Chief Sean Coubrough. “The hearts of all our firefighters go out to their family and friends. They are in our thoughts, and we share in their grief.”

A fire investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Coroner’s Office.

As is standard following traumatic incidents, mental health supports are being made available to members of the responding fire departments.