Mother and two children located deceased after house fire, man’s death nearby considered separate incident

An investigation into a house fire in North Battleford on Thursday is now a sudden death investigation as a mother and her two children were located deceased at the residence.

The cause of the house fire, which occurred on the 1400 block of 99th Street, remains under investigation. Police confirmed the identities of the three deceased: a 39-year-old female, a seven-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. Investigators have notified family members of the deaths.

Specialized investigators were deployed to North Battleford to help assist with the investigation, along with officers from the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit. Officers will examine all circumstances surrounding the deaths, including whether they are suspicious in nature. Autopsies will be held at a future date.

Police are also investigating a fourth, unrelated, sudden death of a man on the 1400 block of 101st Street, having determined it is not connected to the house fire. Officers investigating the man’s death are ruling whether foul play was involved. An autopsy will occur at a later date to confirm the cause of death.

At this point, police say the incidents are isolated and the deaths are not related to any other crime in the detachment area. Investigators report there is no risk to public safety.

If you have any information related to either of these incidents, you are urged to contact the Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720. Information can also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers. You can call 1-800-222-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Residents are advised there will be an increased police presence at the residence where the house fire occurred as investigators continue to examine the scene.