A 68-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman are dead following a fire in central Alberta.
Three Hills RCMP received a report of a home on fire in the Town of Trochu with people trapped inside just before 4 a.m. on Sunday.
Police and the Trochu Fire Department responded to the residence on School Road. RCMP said in a news release that active rescue efforts were made, however two people were found dead in the home.
It’s believed the two people were the only occupants in the home.
While fighting the fire, residents who lived downwind were asked to shelter in place with their windows closed until the smoke subsided. The fire was extinguished and smoke subsided by about 8:30 a.m., the Trochu Fire Department said in a Facebook post.
Three Hills RCMP and Trochu Fire Department continue to investigate – the cause of the fire is not known at this time.
RCMP offered its condolences to those affected by this tragedy.
Trochu Mayor Barry Kletke said the fire has caused grief and sadness throughout the town of 984 residents.
“I think everybody is fairly upset,” said Kletke.
“No one wants to see anyone even have fire on their property, let alone have someone perish in a fire. I personally didn’t know the people, but they are potentially someone’s parents, brother, sister – but I don’t know for sure.”
Kletke said it’s been almost 50 years since an incident like this in the town.
“We haven’t had many building fires where people have perished in our community,” said Kletke.
“In the early-1970s we had one where we lost some people on Main Street in a fire. It’s just awful.”
Kletke had a simple message to Trochu residents: “Have an open heart and make sure we’re all sending positive thoughts to the family.”
The community is proud of the volunteer fire department, Kletke noted.
“As mayor and council, I want to send positive thoughts and best wishes to all of our firemen who had to witness that, along with any other emergency workers,” said Kletke.
“There are definitely support services out there and we encourage anyone who needs them to reach out get that support.”
The Trochu Fire Department is encouraging anyone who is in need of support following this incident to contact Three Hills Victim Services at 403-443-5539 or the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642. Additionally, support programs can be found at the Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services website: www.krfcss.com.
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