FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN ALFRED UNDER INVESTIGATION

A fatal fire in the Village of Alfred is now the focus of inquiry for Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit.

Hawkesbury OPP officers were called out February 11, just before 11 a.m., to assist provincial court officials deal with a person in a residence on Devista Boulevard, in the Village of Alfred, in Alfred-Plantagenet Township.

The OPP incident brief stated that a man inside the house refused to exit the premises. Soon after, officers observed a fire within the building.

The Alfred-Plantagenet Fire Department was summoned. After the fire was extinguished, the body of a man was found inside the house. The name of the deceased has not been released.

Police contacted the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

The SIU has taken charge of the matter as part of its mandate to conduct independent investigations of incidents where police are involved, and where injury or death has occurred.

The SIU mandate is to determine whether or not a criminal action has occurred, and to either exonerate police from any blame or to recommend further action.

At present, the OPP Forensic Investigation Unit is examining the premises, taking photographs, and gathering evidence.

The SIU communications department is now dealing with any inquiries for further information on the case.

Anyone with questions on the case or any information which may help with the investigation by the SIU can call 416-622-2342.

—photo Gregg Chamberlain Les membres de l’Unité d’enquête médico-légale de la Police provinciale de l’Ontario examinent les restes et recueillent des preuves sur le site de l’incendie mortel d’une maison sur le boulevard Devista, dans le village d’Alfred, le 11 février. L’affaire fait maintenant partie d’une enquête menée par l’Unité des enquêtes spéciales de l’Ontario.