The Surrey RCMP says it is assisting the local fire department after two people died in recent blazes.
The most recent fire happened early Tuesday at a home in the area of 136B Street and 56B Avenue in Newton. Police say first responders were called around 2 a.m. and arrived to find a home “fully engulfed” in flames.
Mounties were told that a 73-year-old woman managed to escape. However, a 77-year-old man did not.
The woman was taken to the hospital.
Days prior, on Saturday, July 20, fire crews responded to the area of 112A Avenue and 136 Street in Whalley just after 8 p.m. In this instance, an 85-year-old woman was found dead and police were called in.
The RCMP says the fire appears to have been contained to an upper floor room, where the woman was.
Both fires have been deemed not suspicious. The BC Coroner’s Service is looking into both deaths.
“Both very, very sad instances,” said Sgt. James Mason.
Mason says the circumstances around the fires will be investigated by the Surrey Fire Department.
“As a general reminder, make sure that all your smoke detectors are intact and functioning, and that in your residence there is some pre-planning given in regards to an escape plan and use of any potential fire extiguishers,” he explained.
“The Surrey RCMP’s condolences go out to both families and friends of the two.”
-With files from Srushti Gangdev