Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is looking into a house fire that tragically took the lives of three people in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek, commonly known as Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Authorities responded to the incident on Sunday evening, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS) in an email to .
“Three individuals were located deceased in the residence. T3PS remains involved in the ongoing investigation with investigative partners,” communications specialist Donna Anderson said Tuesday.
Grassy Narrows is home to just under 1,000 residents and is an Ojibway community situated about 85 kilometers north of Kenora.
is working to confirm what caused the fire and estimate any damages incurred.
“The Office of the Fire Marshal is aware of the incident and the matter remains under active investigation,” Jim Demetriou of the OFM stated in an email on Tuesday.
No additional details are available at this time as investigations continue, Demetriou mentioned.
The Paapiiwaaniimaan Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home team has postponed a College Orientation Ceremony that was set for Tuesday due to this tragedy. The community’s band office has also been closed temporarily.
has contacted the First Nation’s chief for comments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
A report from the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council shows that First Nations people face a significantly higher risk, being five times more likely to die in house fires compared to non-Indigenous individuals.
Mental health counselling and crisis support are accessible 24/7 through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat at www. hopeforwellness. ca.
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