2 killed in devastating Glace Bay house fire

Cape Breton Regional Police and fire officials are investigating after two people died and a woman was sent to hospital with serious injuries in a house fire in Glace Bay, N.S., early this morning.

Police were called to a home on Brookside Street just after 2 a.m., where firefighters were already on scene. Two people were found dead inside the house.

Police have not released the names of the victims.

Glace Bay-Dominion MLA John White said he has been told the two found dead inside the home were students at area high schools. White is a former high school teacher and member of the volunteer fire department.

"This is one of those calls where firefighters train for it and hope that it never happens," he said.

"The [fire] department is hurting. I know they are. I know that they are seeking out for a debrief and I know that social media is lit up with thoughts and prayers for the family and hugging their kids a little tighter tonight."

White said Glace Bay is a small, tight-knit community and people will quickly come together to comfort each other.

"I think this is just one of those reminders that life, tomorrow, is not guaranteed to any of us."

Glace Bay Fire Chief John Chant said when firefighters arrived, the fire was already heavy on the second floor of the house.

"There was a lot of fire," he said. "We got it knocked down quickly, but it was a tough fire."

Chant said a separate apartment unit on the first floor was not on fire and then he got a little emotional.

"It's a tragic event and we've just got to get the message out that you've got to get smoke detectors in your houses and you've got to learn escape plans."

Chant said he could not comment on whether there were active smoke detectors in the Brookside Street home. 

Police and fire officials remained on the scene in the afternoon trying to determine the cause of the fire.