A community’s heartbreak

That children lost their lives in the blaze has been described as an unimaginable tragedy.

And as families suffer through their losses, a supportive community that stretches beyond Pubnico Head has grieved with RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Clarke speaks with members of the media Sunday afternoon. them, and for them.

The community has stepped up to help the also fam- ilies during this difficult time. Countless individuals, organizations and businesses have been doing what they can to show support and to provide help and assistance to those who lost loved ones in the fire.

It was 12:13 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7, when the RCMP received a 911 call about a house fire on Highway 3 in Pubnico Head.

At this newspaper’s press deadline on Monday, the RCMP had still not confirmed the number of deaths or the ages and genders of the victims, but they included young children.

Two other people were transported to hospital that night.

The cause of the fire was still being determined on Monday.

The Nova Scotia RCMP Major Crimes Unit had conducted its preliminary investigation and determined it was not suspicious. Such an investigation is standard when fatalities are involved.

“The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Service has assumed the lead of the investigation under the Nova Scotia Fatality Investigations Act,” read a Jan. 7 RCMP media release. “The RCMP is continuing to assist the Medical Examiner’s Service and providing resources.” See ‘THIS IS,’ page A2