Elk Valley RCMP has confirmed that a man has been found deceased in the aftermath of last night’s apartment fire in Sparwood Heights.

On Thursday August 9, Sparwood and Elkford Fire Departments and Elk Valley RCMP responded to a fire at the Ponderosa Manor Apartments in Sparwood Heights.

One of four apartment blocks (Block B) was fully engulfed in flames upon arrival of fire crews, who quickly gained control of the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading to the adjacent apartment blocks and green belt.

All residents were accounted for except for one male who was later located deceased inside the burnt out apartment block. It appears at this time that the male succumbed to smoke and heat in the hallway outside of his apartment.

The deceased male’s family has been located and advised of this tragic outcome.

The fire has been determined to not be a criminal matter and has been turned over the Fire Commissioner’s Office and B.C. Coroner Service.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) has been set up at the Sparwood Leisure Centre on Pine Avenue in Sparwood and all persons that have been displaced by the fire or evacuated from the other three apartment blocks are asked to attend and register there.

ESS personnel are on hand to assist those who require assistance.

There is also a clothing drive that has been started and residents can drop off clothing donations at the Rec centre.

“Worthy of special mention are those residents who attended to the area of the fire last night with food, coffee and water for the firefighters and other first responders that were on scene throughout the night,” said Sgt. Trevor Tribes, Operations NCO of Elk Valley Regional RCMP.

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