A northern Manitoba First Nation is in mourning after a weekend fire claimed the lives of three people, all of them under the age of 17.

The Manitoba RCMP says in a release that members of the Cross Lake detachment responded to a house fire on Pimicikamak Cree Nation around 4:50 a.m. When officers arrived they found the home fully engulfed in flames and officers could not gain entry due to the intensity of the fire. Community safety officers had already arrived and were also pushed back by the intense heat when they had tried to enter the building.

Members of the Cross Lake Fire Department also responded and extinguished the fire.

"Prayer Warriors we ask for your prayers comfort and strength and healing but most of all prayers to help us through this storm that we are going through!"

Mounties say that their investigation has determined that seven people were in the residence when the fire started.

Four of the residents, a 36-year old male, a 36-year-old female, a 20-year-old female and a 4-year-old female were able to escape through a window. All suffered various injuries due to the fire and received medical attention.

Once firefighters and officers were able to enter the residence, they located three deceased individuals inside. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm their identities.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak has confirmed that the three victims were all under the age of 17. He would not confirm their names and exact ages out of respect for the family, he says. In a social media post, Monias says that the MKO crisis team is coming to assist the community.

"I have no words to describe the feelings and thoughts that are going through the community," Monias says, "and especially the parents, grandparents and all the relatives! We are devastated and in shock!"

The Chief says that prayer is needed for all. "Prayer Warriors we ask for your prayers comfort and strength and healing but most of all prayers to help us through this storm that we are going through!"

The Office of the Fire Commissioner is assisting with the investigation.