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TORONTO, ON, Thursday, November 18, 2004 --
Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) staff continue to examine evidence
recovered from the fatal fire that claimed eight lives in West Lincoln on
November 8 in their search for the cause of the fire.
Eight people, including a woman and her seven children, died in the fire
that severely damaged the home. Investigators believe the fire started in
the living room area located on the main floor of the home.
Investigators have completed the on-site investigation and have seized a
number of exhibits from the home that have been sent to the Centre for
Forensic Sciences for examination. Included in the exhibits being
investigated are plastic remnants thought to be from a smoke alarm.
Electrical components were also seized for examination and x-ray. It is
expected to be weeks before the results of the forensic examination will be
received.
Currently, investigators are continuing to interview relatives of the family
to determine the content and layout of the house, and the behaviours of the
family.
The investigation is being led by an OFM investigator and includes OFM
engineering staff and Centre for Forensic Sciences staff.
“This fire is still under investigation and the cause is not yet known,”
said Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. “But I want to take this
opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of having working smoke
alarms on every level of their home and outside all sleeping areas. And
people must have a home fire escape plan so that everyone in the household
knows what to do if a fire occurs.”
“We are entering the deadliest time of the year for fire deaths,” said
Moyle. “At least 90% of all home fires are preventable. Please do everything
you can to keep your home and your family safe from fire.”
From November 1, 2003 to January 31, 2004, 41 people died in fires in
Ontario.
Further details of the investigation will be released publicly as soon as
they become available.
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For fire statistics and further information contact:
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal 416-325-3178
Chris Slosser, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3120.
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