A house fire at 275 River St. East early Monday morning claimed the life of a 48-year-old woman.
Fire, police and ambulance crews arrived shortly before 5 a.m. to find the residence engulfed in smoke.
“It was called in by a resident who smelled smoke on River Street,” Deputy Chief Rod Montgomery told the Times-Herald. “Engine Number Five responded from North Hill Station at 4:46 a.m.”
Fire crews entered the home, found and removed an unconscious female occupant; who was transported to Union Hospital, but attempts to revive her were not successful.
“Crews were able to enter and get in right away,” Montgomery said when asked how extensive the fire was upon arrival.
Police have sealed off the residence and continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
“Right now we believe the origin of the fire was the basement; but is not being looked at as suspicious,” Montgomery said.
Moose Jaw Fire Department had the fire contained within 45 minutes and remained at the scene until 8 a.m.
“My neighbour from across gave me a phone call,” River Street resident Ada McBride told the Times-Herald as to how she was first informed of the fire. “I’m just so sad she is gone, she was a lovely girl.”
McBride said she didn’t witness any flames, but you could see the smoke coming out of the building.
“She was very active and would walk to work and back home,” McBride said, when asked if the deceased had any health or mobility issues.
They were kicking in the front door, that’s what woke us up,” neighbor Ron Sanderson said. “That was around five a.m. give or take... as far as I know she was the only resident.”
“Investigators have taken photos and samples, which is routine operation,” Moose Jaw Police Sgt. Cliff Froehlich said. “They will speak to family and neighbors to gather as much information as possible.”
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