Masset RCMP, the BC Fire Commissioner and the provincial Coroner's Service are investigating a tragic fire which claimed the life of an 11 year old Masset boy Saturday evening.
Police responded to a call from the BC Ambulance Service at 7:20 PM of a fire in progress. The report indicated a boy was trapped inside a burning shed at 1595 Old Beach Road. Despite desperate efforts by the boy's father and several neighbours, he could not be rescued. Masset Volunteer Fire Fighters dowsed the flames.
"The cause of the fire is still unknown, though we do not suspect foul play. This appears to have been an unfortunate accident" said Sgt. Shaw of Masset RCMP, "We still have a number of witnesses to interview and a few other avenues of investigation to complete, but it's entirely possible we'll never know the origin of the fire."
The boy's father was injured trying to save his son, receiving burns to hands and possibly to his head.
A benefit dinner and dance will be held on Saturday for the father, who is not covered by medical insurance. It's at Daddy Cool's, admission by donation