Human remains were removed today from the site of a fatal house fire that happened in Innisfil yesterday morning.
The investigation as to what happened is still ongoing.
“It’s all still up in the air,” comments Mike Symes, Innisfil Fire Prevention Officer about the details of the investigation.
Local fire crews battled explosive flames at a home on the 2nd Line, near Dempsey Street at around 9 a.m. yesterday morning. Later in the day fire crews confirmed a body had been found; however, due to challenges getting past the cold, wet, and destroyed house debris, investigators were only able to locate and remove the human remains today.
“Whether it’s the homeowner or not, we can’t confirm anything until forensics steps in and next of kin is notified,” reports Symes.
Symes adds that due to a body being found in the wreckage, the Innisfil Fire Department must take a step back and act as a supporting role for the investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) and South Simcoe Police Services.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and South Simcoe Police Forensic Identification Unit is still on the scene today investigating.
“The police must rule out foul play still,” said Symes.
The identity of the body has yet to be determined but locals say a man lived alone inside the home.
Innisfil Fire Chief Jim Kay said yesterday in an interview with local reporters that it is possible the home may need to come down due to the heavy damage caused by the large fire and smoke. Up to 30 firefighters were on site battling the fire yesterday morning and continued to monitor the house overnight for ‘flare-ups’.
Updates on this case will be provided as information becomes available.
