Unattended candles caused a fire at the Nanaimo home where a family of three was found dead earlier this week, according to officials.
Nanaimo Fire said it has wrapped up its investigation into the blaze at the Nicol Street home where Amberlee Scarr, Jason Stephenson and their seven-year-old daughter Piper Stephenson were found dead on Tuesday.
The fire has now been deemed accidental, and was most likely sparked in the kitchen by candles left unattended, investigators say. There's nothing to prove the house had working smoke alarms, according to Nanaimo Fire Chief Karen Fry.
"This tragic event resulted in loss of life to three people and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and extended families at this time," she said in a statement.
Fry said later in a news conference that the fire was oxygen-deprived, meaning it was likely burning for some time before it ignited further, causing passersby to take notice.
Nanaimo RCMP confirmed Friday it was no longer investigating the file as the fire was deemed accidental.
The investigation into the family's cause of death is now in the hands of the BC Coroner's Service, which said Friday it would not release its findings until the investigation is complete, which could take weeks or even months.
The bodies of the young family were found by first responders after neighbours reported a fire at the home Tuesday afternoon.
The fire was originally considered suspicious because a point of origin had not been determined.
The school Piper Stephenson attended was notified and counselling has been provided for staff and students.
Police tape surrounding the home had been taken down as of Wednesday evening and a memorial for the victims had sprung up at the scene.
A GoFundMe page set up to help pay for funeral arrangements has raised more than $8,500 as of Friday afternoon.
Investigators said earlier in the week there was nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in the blaze.
