Four dead in northern Ontario house fire

Emergency crews in northern Ontario found the bodies of four people inside a home where a fire broke out Thursday night.

The Temiskaming Shores Fire Department and Ontario Provincial Police were called to a structure fire on Paget Street South in downtown New Liskeard around 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19.

"Four people were located deceased in the residence," OPP said in a news release Friday morning.

"While the investigation is still in the preliminary stages, police believe there is no risk to the public at this time. Members of the community can expect to see an increased presence of OPP personnel and vehicles in the area as the investigation continues."

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A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told CTV News reporter Eric Taschner near the scene there were six people inside the home when the fire started and two were able to get out safely.

"Quite a few people live there," another neighbour said.

"I just feel bad for the family."

Fire officials told Taschner it took about an hour and 15 minutes to extinguish the flames.

Members of the OPP crime unit, forensic identification services, the office of the fire marshal, officer of the chief coroner of Ontario and Ontario Pathology Services are helping with the ongoing investigation.

Investigators at the scene of a fatal house fire on Paget Street South in New Liskeard. Sept. 20, 2024 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

No word on the cause of the fire.

"Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122," OPP said.

"Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000."

With files from CTV News North Bay reporter Eric Taschner.