One person is dead after a suspicious motel fire early Tuesday in Port McNeill, fire officials say.
Port McNeill Fire Rescue says it responded about 1:30 a.m. to a fire at the Haida Way Motor Inn on Campbell Way, with firefighters from Hyde Creek and Port Hardy also called in to provide assistance.
Flames were showing from one side of the building when crews arrived and the fire was extinguished soon after.
Port McNeill RCMP said the incident was initially reported as a disturbance, but witnesses then discovered the fire.
Police cleared people from the property and later located a body in the room where the fire is believed to have started.
They are working to confirm the person’s identity.
The B.C. Coroners Service, Island District RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services and an RCMP fire investigator are assisting with the investigation.
RCMP Cpl. Spencer Mylymok acknowledged firefighters for their “quick and timely response.”
“While it was tragic that one person lost their life, [firefighters’] efforts greatly contributed to a safe evacuation for other guests and staff at the establishment,” he said.
Port McNeill RCMP ask anyone with information about the incident to call 250-956-4441.
