The Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating a house fire in Ohsweken, Ont., that left a three-year-old boy dead and two infants in serious condition.
Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services Chief Matthew Miller said crews were called to a house on Fourth Line near Chiefswood Road after 11:30 a.m. Friday to reports of a structure fire.
After arriving, Miller said he and another firefighter went into the burning house and found the three-year-old on the second floor underneath a bed. He was taken to West Haldimand General Hospital by paramedics where he later died.
Two infants, a three-week-old and a one-year-old, were taken to hospital in serious condition. Miller said four other children were being assessed.
Miller said, while bringing the child down the stairs, he hit his head and his breathing mask was knocked off.
Miller had to be treated in hospital for smoke inhalation, but was released a short time after and returned to the scene. He said the call has been a difficult one for first responders.
“It’s a tragic situation for the community. I can’t imagine what the family, and friends of the family, are going through at this time,” he said.
“We’re having a very hard time with this call.”
The Office of the Fire Marshal is looking into the origin and cause of the fire. Two staff were on-site Friday evening. They’re scheduled to return Saturday morning with a forensic fire engineer.
Officials are scheduled to hold a news conference Saturday morning to provide an update.
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