Fatal house fire in Digby County

One person is dead after a house fire in Digby County early Tuesday morning, Jan. 16.

“It's not suspicious in nature at this point. The investigation is being led by the fire marshal's office and the fire department, so we're basically an assisting agency,” said RCMP spokesman Const. Dominic Laflamme last Tuesday.

The fire was reported on Old North Range Road in Plympton Station shortly before 5 a.m.

Plympton-Gilberts Cove firefighters responded to the call, with assistance from the Weymouth, St. Bernard, Brighton-Barton, and Digby fire departments.

When RCMP officers also arrived at the scene the home was fully engulfed in flames.

Once the fire was extinguished, the remains of an adult were located inside the home.

The Plympton-Gilberts Cove Fire Department (PGCFD) included a statement about the fire on its Facebook page.

“In the early morning of Tuesday, Jan. 16, we were paged out to a fully involved structure fire in Plympton Station. Upon arrival, PGCFD initiated a quick exterior attack,” the statement read. “Firefighters entered this structure after knocking down the fire and located one occupant who sadly perished.”

The fire department asked for the public to respect the family's privacy "during this difficult time."

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to all affected by this tragic event,” stated the fire department, which extended thanks for the help it received from its neighbouring departments that provided mutual aid.

“It's on the toughest of days that we rely on our surrounding volunteer departments most,” the department said, also extending thanks to some local businesses – Tim Horton's on Warwick St. in Digby and Superstore in Digby – for providing refreshments for firefighters on the fire scene.

“With many responding before dawn and staying on scene for hours, this act of kindness is highly appreciated,” the department's statement read.

“Last but not least, thank you to Kathryn Brooks and Shawn Craven of the Havelock Fire Department & Havelock Wesleyan Church for your emotional and spiritual support services on and off the scene. We are fortunate to have you two available during this tough time,” the fire department said.

The investigation into the cause of the fire has been ongoing and was being assisted by the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal's Office and the Medical Examiner Service.