Mounties are investigating after finding the body in the outbuilding of a restaurant on the Kamloops North Shore Saturday morning.
The discovery was made after an RCMP officer patrolling the area noted smoke coming from the back of a recently shuttered restaurant on Palm Street, between Royal and Tranquille around 7:30am.
“RCMP officers attempted to extinguish the blaze, which was limited mostly to an attached shed/outbuilding at the rear of the building, while awaiting the arrival of Kamloops Fire and Rescue (KFR) personnel,” said Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet with Kamloops RCMP.
After putting out the fire, crews made the grim discovery.
Alley next to location of body discovered in a burned out shed in the 100 block of Palm Street/via Brett Mineer
“We are working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the individual and the Kamloops RCMP Fire Investigator will be working with the RCMP Forensic Identification Service in an effort to establish the source and cause of the fire, which has yet to be determined,” said Shoihet.
Andrew Tkaczuk lives in a nearby apartment and notes the location is often used by those on the streets to use drugs in a secluded area, as well as light fires for warmth.
“A few months ago there was actually someone in the carport here who did that…barricaded themselves in a cardboard box and obviously fell asleep while they were doing drugs and set themselves, and the vicinity, on fire,” said Tkaczuk. “It happens more frequent — it’s unsettling.”
While the identity of the victim remains unclear, it’s not uncommon for homeless in the area to find shelter and warmth by breaking into sheds and outbuildings and lighting fires.
“It’s usually between 3 o’clock in the morning and 6 in the morning here, specifically in this corner,” said Tkaczuk.
Temperatures overnight in Kamloops are starting to enter the single digits, and the fate of winter shelter operations remains in limbo following the decision by the Canadian Mental Health Association to withdraw from operating them this year.
RCMP officers are expected to be in the area through the weekend conducting video and witness canvassing.
Burned remains of an outbuilding in the 100-block of Palm Street/via Brett Mineer
–With files from Brett Mineer
