Image: Agassiz Fire

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Structure fire

Agassiz Fire responds to house fire in Seabird Island Sunday, as Popkum and Harrison crews pitch in

Feb 24, 2025 | 7:03 AM

SEABIRD ISLAND — Spokespersons for both the B.C. Coroners Service and the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP have now confirmed that one person died following a house fire in Seabird Island Sunday evening.

Amber Schinkel, manager of strategic communications and media relations for the B.C. Coroners Service, told Fraser Valley Today Tuesday morning that the agency is investigating the fatality.

After Fraser Valley Today published its story Tuesday morning, Agassiz RCMP released a statement Tuesday morning confirming that it is assisting Agassiz Fire Department after the fatal residential fire.

According to a statement from police, Agassiz RCMP, with help from Chilliwack RCMP members, responded to a residential structure fire on Sthitsem Drive Sunday evening, Feb. 23 at 4:52 p.m. On arrival, police assisted the Agassiz Fire Department at the scene.

Agassiz Fire located an individual inside the residence who did not survive. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, and as a result, no further details are being released at this time.

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Agassiz RCMP General Investigation Services (GIS) is working alongside the Agassiz Fire Department to determine the cause and circumstances of the fire. At this time, the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

The BC Coroners Service has taken conduct of the investigation into the individual’s death.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the residential fire, or might have any additional information and has not yet spoken to police, to contact Agassiz RCMP at 604-796-2211.

Multiple fire crews from Agassiz, Popkum and Harrison were dispatched to a residential fire in the 8300 block of Sth,l;Tsem Drive. Responding firefighters notified dispatch that they observed smoke coming from a home and said the home was fully involved in flames.

Schinkel said any investigation conducted by the Crown agency will be done independent and parallel to any potential investigation by the RCMP or any fire department. Schinkel said the victim’s gender could not be released because it is an open investigation.

Two Upper Fraser Valley RCMP units remained on scene Monday morning at both ends of the property, as yellow police caution tape had been strung across the front and back of the property.

Seabird Island issued a statement on Facebook Sunday evening about the fire.

“There was a fire in our community. The police will remain on site overnight. Please respect the area and be mindful of your safety,” the band wrote. “Due to the house fire on Sth’i:tsem Road, please avoid driving down this road at this time to allow for emergency vehicles and crews to do their work. The Band Office Gym is open for those who would like to gather and require supports. They may open up the units at a later time.”