Two deceased victims were recovered Monday evening after a fire early Monday morning at a row of townhomes in Oshawa.
Oshawa Fire Services is continuing their search of the home this morning.
A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the identities of the two victims.
Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal are conducting a parallel investigation with DRPS investigators.
The search for the two persons missing in the Olive Street fire will resume today morning – some 30 hours after the fire was first reported.
Till last night Toronto Heavy Urban Search and Rescue unit and Oshawa Fire Services (OFS) were unable to locate the missing persons. The cause of the fire is yet unknown.
Five people were taken to hospital following the fire, of which four have since been released, said officials.
The fire in Oshawa was reported at 12:54 am on Monday, March 22. Emergency operators alerted OFS about a house fire at 149 Olive Avenue between Simcoe Street and Ritson Road in Oshawa.
Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions. Emergency responders assisted multiple people, said a city statement.
At this time, there are four people who are unaccounted for. Of the individuals that were transported to hospital, one person remains in hospital at Lakeridge Health, it added.
In total, seven properties were impacted by the fire. Residents of the street whose homes were impacted are receiving temporary lodging.
Roads Closed
Durham Regional Police Service officers were at the scene and closed off the roads around the affected area.
The Toronto Heavy Urban Search and Rescue unit was called in for assistance and is on scene to assist. At this time, 149 Olive Avenue is an active investigation. The Ontario Fire Marshal was on scene to investigate and Oshawa Fire Services Fire Prevention Division is working with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Durham Regional Police Service to determine the cause of the fire.
The Office of the Fire Marshal dispatched two investigators, a supervisor and an Emergency Preparedness & Response Unit (EPRU) specialist to assist.
The City of Oshawa and Council extended its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those affected by yesterday morning’s tragic house fire.
“It is with heavy hearts that we report that at this time there are four residents who are unaccounted for. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those community members,” said Oshawa Fire Chief Derrick Clark.
“We are extremely saddened to learn of this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who have been impacted during this difficult time,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “Our appreciation goes out to the first responders including our fire crews.”
Smoke Alarms
Residents are reminded that it is critical and required by law that all landlords and homeowners have a working smoke alarms on every storey of the home in addition to outside all sleeping areas, as well as working carbon monoxide alarms.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old. For non-working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, the fine is up to $50,000 for an individual and/or one-year imprisonment.
Families are also reminded to ensure they have an escape plan in place and practice it regularly with all household members.
