Electrical issue caused fatal fire at Charlottetown apartment building, police say
CBC
An electrical issue caused the apartment fire in Charlottetown nearly a week ago, according to the city's police service.
Two people died and three others were taken to hospital after the early morning fire at a 20-unit apartment building on Green Street on Dec. 28.
A spokesperson for Charlottetown Police Services told CBC News on Friday that an electrical issue caused the fire and that it has been deemed accidental. Police also determined that the two victims died of smoke inhalation.
The spokesperson said police have now concluded their portion of the investigation.
The Charlottetown Fire Department said it plans to release more details related to the fire on Monday.
There have been no updates on the condition of the three people who were taken to hospital after the fire.
Obituaries and social media posts have identified the victims as 70-year-old Ernie Mutch, who lived in the building, and 40-year-old Stacey Singleton.
Brooke Singleton, Stacey's sister-in-law, described her as someone who was deeply loved and will be remembered for her kindness, compassion and close relationships with those around her.
“Stacey struggled with addiction, but we don't want her known as the person that struggled with addiction. Stacey, to us, she was sassy, she was loving, she was strong and independent. She was very, very lovable. Her nieces and nephews and her children meant the world to her,” Brooke Singleton told CBC News on Friday.
“She's going to be missed by a lot of people, not just her family.”
CBC News reached out to Ernie Mutch’s family but did not receive a response. In social media posts, his family said they are devastated by the loss and that he will be greatly missed.
Brooke Singleton said her sister-in-law and Mutch were friends.
“Our hearts go out to Ernie’s families and people that loved him,” she said. “It's the most devastating thing to happen.”
On the day of the fire, Brooke said the family began posting on Facebook asking if anyone had seen Stacey after the time of the incident.
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