Deadly Port Colborne blaze was accidental

PORT COLBORNE — Investigators looking into a house fire that killed four people last December say the cause has been determined to be accidental.

As well, charges have been laid against the owners of the building under the Ontario Fire Code.

The fire broke out early Dec. 14, killing a mother, her two young children and the woman’s grandmother. Two men were able to escape the fire.

The scene at 53 Nickel St. took a great deal of time to clear, with heavy machinery brought in to remove the debris and firefighters working in sub-zero temperatures.

A release sent out Tuesday by the Port Colborne Fire Department said the results of the investigation cited “misused ignition source/ equipment improperly discharged.”

That means investigators have ruled out all mechanical causes with the possible exception of candles and cigarettes, Fire Chief Tom Cartwright said.

The fire marshal worked with Niagara Regional Police, the coroner’s office and fire department on the probe.

The report was delivered to the fire department a few days ago and has been kept confidential pending a discussion with the surviving family members.

Cartwright noted the family were tenants in the two-storey home.

The fire department has laid charges against the owners of the building in contravening the fire code, some of which related to smoke alarms.

Tammy Burd, 37, her children, Samantha Zuvic, 15, and Joshua Zuvic, 2, and Burd’s grandmother, Eva Burd, died of smoke inhalation.

Burd’s husband and an uncle, who also lived in the home, managed to escape the fire.

In the release, Cartwright said the fire had a “devastating effect” on family and friends, and a deep impact on emergency responders and investigators.

“The fire department’s deepest sympathy goes out to everyone involved or affected by the tragic loss,” he said.

Cartwright added staff at the fire department continues to work diligently to ensure such a tragedy doesn’t happen again.

The fire department’s deepest sympathy goes out to everyone involved. FIRE CHIEF TOM CARTWRIGHT