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Community mourns lives lost in Point Douglas house fire

Click to play video: 'Point Douglas middle school dealing with the loss of a student'
Point Douglas middle school dealing with the loss of a student
WATCH: The principal of Gonzaga Middle School, speaking at the community vigil Friday, describes how they learned one of their Grade 7 students had perished in the fire – Oct 29, 2018

The community of Point Douglas has come together to support a family suffering after a tragic house fire early Friday.

A walk from the neighbourhood women’s centre was held in honour of those who lost their lives.

City officials said the blaze broke out just after 2 a.m in the first 100 block of Prince Edward Street. Two people were rescued from the home, but the bodies of two others were found inside once the flames had been extinguished.

In a post on a community Facebook page, Mama Bear clan said “We are devastated by the loss in our community that happened this morning. We invite everyone to meet at the Women’s Centre (221 Austin St. N) tonight at 6:00pm.”

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Although authorities have not officially identified the people who died, neighbours told Global News they were a grandmother and and 11-year old girl.

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The girl was a student at Gonzaga Middle School — staff at the school confirmed they would be attending the walk. Executive Director Tom Lussier said the school is doing all it can to help.

“We had a  crisis response team of counsellors and social workers help our staff and students through the day,” he said.
“Community members and leaders helped by spending time with the staff and students and addressing them at the end of the school day.”
Students and neighbours shared pictures and notes of support for the family.
Pictures and drawings were laid out as friends and neighbours of the fire victims gathered in support of the family. Joe Scarpelli / Global News

Organizers of the walk led a procession to the house on Prince Edward Street, smudged and offered songs and prayers.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family who “have lost all their possessions and are are overcome with grief and shock.”

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Watch: ‘It was so intense’: Point Douglas neighbour describes early morning fire

Click to play video: '‘It was so intense’: Point Douglas neighbour describes early morning fire'
‘It was so intense’: Point Douglas neighbour describes early morning fire

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