Vancouver's first fire fatality was a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, according to Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Chief John McKearney.

He told reporters that police and fire investigators have "determined that the probable cause was two space heaters placed very close to the bed of the infant".

The fire broke out on Thursday (January 5) afternoon in a house at 3124 Nootka Street in East Vancouver.

McKearney said that the mother rescued the toddler's twin sister. A school-age child, who was also home, was able to escape the fire.

But when the mother returned to try to rescue the other child, he said the fire was "too far involved".

"That's where she suffered serious facial burns," McKearney revealed.

He advised residents with space heaters to "make sure" they are relatively new products with "tip-over mechanisms" that can turn off the machine.

McKearney also urged people to keep space heaters away from fabrics.