FIRE – Man dies in Blackpool fire, another taken to hospital with burns

One person died, and another person was taken to hospital as a result of a fire at a home in Blackpool on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Blackpool Fire Rescue responded to a report of a residential structure fire in the 1400-block of Cutts Road at 12:07 pm.

The home was already fully involved with intense flames and smoke when firefighters arrived. Mutual aid was provided upon request by the Little Fort Fire Department and the Clearwater Fire Department.

Due to the intense smoke, flames, and a dangerous fire flashover, fire crews were unable to safely enter the structure. The structure collapsed within 30 minutes of the initial report of a structure fire.

One occupant of the home was safely transported to hospital by air ambulance to be treated for burns sustained as a result of the fire. A second occupant succumbed to the fire. The victim is being described as a man in his 20s.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District said today it will not be commenting further on the identity of the deceased man.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victims at this time,” said Blackpool Fire Rescue Chief Mike Savage.

The cause of the structure fire has not been determined. The fire scene remains active and the site is currently unsafe to enter.

Fire crews will access the site when it is safe to do so, and an excavator will be brought in to move debris. Blackpool Fire Rescue will work with RCMP, the BC Coroners Service, and the provincial Office of the Fire Commissioner in the days ahead, the TNRD said.