UPDATED: Police continue to investigate fatal cemetery fire

by | Jan 9, 2024

Woodstock Police Force still seeking information to identify person who perished in shed blaze

The Woodstock Police Force is still unable to identify the person killed in a shed blaze at a cemetery near Broadway in Woodstock on Monday, Jan. 8.

Deputy Chief Mark Bennett said Tuesday afternoon police had not identified the fire victim or determined the facts surrounding the death.

He said police are still awaiting the autopsy and the Fire Marshal’s reports.

In a release issued on Jan. 8, Woodstock Police Force said officers responded to a call at 6:27 a.m. on Jan. 8 about a shed on fire located on the Methodist Cemetery property on Cemetery Street in Woodstock.

Police said the Woodstock Fire Department attended the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

“During the inspection of the structure after the fire, the body of one person was discovered, leading the Woodstock Police Force to initiate an investigation into a sudden death,” explained the Monday morning release.

The release said the Woodstock Police Force is collaborating with the NB Coroner Service, NB Fire Marshal’s Office, Woodstock Fire Department, RCMP K-9, and the Fredericton Police Force Forensic Identification Section to determine the source and cause of the fire, which is yet to be determined.

On Tuesday afternoon, Bennett told the River Valley Sun that police do not have enough information to provide details about the tragedy.

“We don’t want to make assumptions,” he said.

The WPF release said officers would remain in the area for several days, conducting a neighbourhood canvass for video footage and witnesses.

The Woodstock Police Force encourages anyone in the area at the time of the fire or may have information to contact them at (506)325-4601.

Police added that the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

Police tape cordons off a section of the Methodist Cemetery on Cemetery Street in Woodstock Monday morning, Jan. 8, as investigators examine the scene of a shed fire and discovery of human remains. (Jim Dumville photo)

The WPF release said officers would remain in the area for several days, conducting a neighbourhood canvass for video footage and witnesses.

The Woodstock Police Force encourages anyone in the area at the time of the fire or may have information to contact them at (506) 325-4601.

Police added that the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

Police request that vehicular and pedestrian traffic avoid the area and follow traffic detours as first responders continue working on the scene.

FOREST FIRE INDEX – click image for current status

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have successfully subscribed! A confirmation email has been sent to your email account. To complete your subscription, open the email and click on the confirmation link. (If you can't find it in your inbox, try your junk and spam folders.) If you'd like to receive our updates more than once a week, please click the "Manage your subscription" link at the bottom of your Newsletter.