A Port Moody mother of six has died after a domestic dispute and house fire on Sunday afternoon.
Port Moody Police were called to the 3300-block of Dewdney Trunk Road just before 1:30 p.m. to respond to a domestic dispute in progress. They arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, with two adults still inside.
Officers acted quickly to retrieve the occupants and located a woman suffering from extensive burns to her body. She was immediately taken to hospital but succumbed to her injuries just after 6 p.m.
An adult male, believed to be the woman's husband, was arrested at the scene and is in police custody.
The couple have six children ranging in age from five to 18 years old. Five of the children were home during the domestic dispute and fire but managed to escape the flames by getting out of the house from the second floor.
"This incident is one that is tragic beyond words," said Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in a release. "Despite the intensity of the fire, the children, with assistance from the general public, managed to escape the burning home with minimal physical injuries. Thank you to the public who assisted with this rescue."
Neighbours across the street from the family rarely saw them outside, even though there is a large swing set and play structure in the front yard. One neighbour said police had been called to the home a couple of times in the recent past.
IHIT will be working with the PoMo Police and are expected to be on scene throughout the day today; witnesses are also being sought.
IHIT is attempting to locate family of the victim and have not yet released her name.
Anyone who has photos and/or video taken of the scene during the time of the fire are asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448.
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