Mackenzie Mayor Asking For Time To Allow Her Community To Grieve
Prince George, B.C. – An early morning house fire that claimed the lives of twin toddlers in Mackezie has left the close-knit community racked with grief and the mayor is asking for space and time to deal with the tragedy…
Police say the year-and-a-half old boy and girl were trapped in an upstairs bedroom when fire broke out in the home of a family of five on Kerry Crescent just after 7:30 this morning. Rescue efforts by the parents, neighbours and emergency responders were thwarted by the aggressive blaze and both infants perished.
The District of Mackenzie Fire Chief, Jamie Guise, remains at the scene this hour, continuing with the investigation. RCMP North District Media Relations Officer, Constable Lesley Smith, says, at this point, the investigation is being handled by the BC Coroner’s Service, in partnership with the local fire department.
Mayor Stephanie Killam says, "It’s a tragedy – a very big tragedy for this community because we don’t often have fires like this. They (the family) are known to the community. People have been here a long time so everybody knows everybody."
"Basically, we need to give the family, and the community, and the responders time to breathe over this – everyone just needs time to breathe and work their way through this."
Comments
My heart breaks for this family…My condolences to all.
My heart bleeds for this family. I am a mommy of a baby not so different in age, and I couldn’t even imagine the heart break of the family. My condolences go out to the family.
My heart goes out to this family. I used to help babysit the mother when she was little. Family is a big part of this family lives. I am so sorry for you loss. You will be in my thought and prayers…..
I’m very sorry for your loss.I can’t belieave your mayor couldn;t answer, this was tragic but, you have to be able to lead , the people that voted for you, I’m not being cruel here, you can’t be in this office if you choose to hide when things happen that you don’t like. Whats gonna happen when it’s serious, you’ll find your mayor hiding under a bed, If you choose to run for office then you then you should be there when your needed.
miboudreau are you serious. 2 young children perished and you have an issue with the mayor saying to let everyone have some time to collect themselves. The mayor wasnt saying leave her alone she was asking to give the people directly involved time. Being a first responder and going to scenes such as these I can tell you the people in the small community will need some space and time to deal with it. My heart goes out to the family.
and as for your comment miboudreau “Whats gonna happen when it’s serious” Im sorry you dont feel the loss of 2 young lives as something serious……
Sometimes I am, frankly baffled, by the level of insensitivity and intelligence shown by some of the commenters on this site.
Having grown up in Mackenzie, I can say that virtually everbody knows everybody else. A tragedy like this happens and all that Mayor Killam was asking for was that those grieving be given time to do so without the provincial and national media attention. I’m sure if there are any questions the Mayor’s office will answer the phone.
miboudreau: I can’t say what I want to say on here but….just go away….go FAR away…..
miboudreau…I agree with Mercenary’s comments…cant believe your comment…whow!
ppl, please, let us not rant on about the comments made here at this very serious moment. Let us just pray for the family instead.
Another news site is reporting that it was a rental home and they did not have insurance on thier possessions. All they have left is thier three year old daughter. If anyone has a young daughter who is outgrowing toys and clothing this would be a good place to send them I would think.
This is such a tragic occurence for a community of any size. My condolences to this family for the very tragic loss of 2 children, to the first responders who felt helpless/hopeless knowing they could not get everyone out, to the community whose hearts are broken for thier friend and or neighbors loss. Only time will heal.
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