Residents of Sandy Bay, Manitoba, are mourning the loss of 12-year-old Alexander Beaulieu Jr., who died in a house fire on March 1, 2026. The fire broke out early Sunday morning at a home in Portage la Prairie, claiming the life of the young community member while others inside were able to escape.
The Manitoba RCMP received a call about the fire in the 100 block of 8th Street Northwest at approximately 4:40 a.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the residence engulfed in flames.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is honoring the boy and providing support to his family and the Sandy Bay First Nation.
This tragedy has led to urgent discussions about the need for more fire safety equipment and better emergency services in First Nation communities. Police are still looking into what caused the fire as their investigation continues.
