Man dead following house fire in Cambridge
A man has died after a house fire on Esther Avenue in Cambridge on Monday evening.
Around 5:10 p.m., crews from five stations of the Cambridge Fire Department responded to the blaze.
The department shared pictures showing thick smoke billowing from the home. A news release from the City of Cambridge read that fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and significant fire coming from the front of the house.
"A lot of flames, a lot of smoke. It was fully engulfed," said Gwen Chiasson, who lives across the street.
Crews had to cut into the roof of the home as they worked to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters entered the home to start an interior attack and look for people inside, but had to get out due to increasing heat and intensifying flames.
"We had to back out, retreat. We went from an offensive strategy to a defensive strategy," said Brad Churchill, deputy chief of the Cambridge Fire Department.
Officials say that soon after crews left the house, the main floor was engulfed in flames and the floor partially collapsed.
"Cambridge firefighters performed admirably tonight," said Cambridge Fire Chief Brian Arnold in the release. "No firefighter ever wants to encounter such an outcome, and we mourn along with the community."
While extinguishing the fire, a deceased male was found.
"It's very difficult for the family, for this community and also our firefighters," Deputy Fire Chief Brad Churchill said. "It is something our firefighters never hope to encounter and we do have peer support for our members."
Neighbours said the man was in his 70s and lived alone.
"I walked down the street very often and always waved and said 'hi'," Chiasson said. "He has lived on the street for a long, long time as we have and he's a very nice man. And was friendly to everyone."
The origin and cause of the fire is currently unknown.
The structural integrity of the house has been compromised and is not yet safe to enter for investigation.
Officials say the Ontario Fire Marshal, Cambridge Fire Department and Waterloo regional police are expected to remain on scene in the coming days to continue the investigation and determine the cause of the fire as well as an estimated cost of damages.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
COVID-19 may be linked to cases of severe hepatitis in children
A chain of events possibly triggered by unrecognized infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could be causing the mysterious cases of severe hepatitis reported in hundreds of young children around the world, researchers suggest.
Poilievre faces backlash for comments on Jordan Peterson podcast
Some are calling attention to a comment about 'Anglo-Saxon words' that Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre made while appearing as a guest on controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson’s podcast. The term has been used by those on the far-right to differentiate white people from immigrants and people of colour.
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
Prince Charles and Camilla wrap up Canada visit in Northwest Territories
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are spending the final day of the royal visit in Canada's North.
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
What options do sellers have now that the housing market is cooling down?
In what is increasingly becoming a buyer's market, some soon-to-be sellers may be wondering whether to delay listing their homes until conditions become more favourable. Here's a look at one realtor's advice on the best time to sell.
Canadians are more sensitive to stress than before the pandemic: report
A new report has found that 46 per cent of Canadians are feeling an increased sensitivity to stress than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their overall mental health.
Desperate U.S. families turn to hospitals when their hunt for formula comes up dry
The baby formula shortage in the United States has meant major stress, inconvenience, and expense for millions of families, but for some children, the hunt for formula has led to the hospital when their families can't consistently find the kind they need.
London
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
-
More hate-related property damage in London, Ont.
Just one day after hate symbols were spray painted on a north London, Ont. playground, police are investigating more graffiti-style property damage.
-
Animals believed to have perished in Hanover, Ont. fire
Everyone is believed to have escaped a fire in Hanover, Ont. Thursday morning, according to Hanover police.
Windsor
-
Over 2,000 pounds of pot hidden as 'foam pool toys' seized at Detroit-Windsor border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than a ton of marijuana labelled “foam pool toys” at the cargo facility at the Ambassador Bridge.
-
Advance polls open in Windsor-Essex. Here’s where to go
Eligible Windsor-Essex residents eager to cast their ballot in the provincial election can head to the advance polls.
-
Warmer weather returns in Windsor-Essex
Environment Canada is calling for warmer weather in Windsor-Essex to end the week.
Barrie
-
Advance polls open in Barrie
Advance polls in Barrie's two provincial ridings are open today until May 28.
-
Roving goldfish a menace in stormwater ponds
Releasing goldfish into stormwater ponds is creating headaches not only for native species but for conservation authorities who must capture and euthanize the little Nemo cousins.
-
CTV's Jayne Pritchard retires after nearly 40 years
CTV's Jayne Pritchard makes a big announcement after nearly four decades at the station.
Northern Ontario
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Province offering $50K reward in northern Ontario cold case
There is a renewed appeal in the investigation involving a northern Ontario teen murdered in her home more than three decades ago.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Ottawa
-
Here's when gas prices will drop below $2 a litre in Ottawa
Gas prices are set to fall 13 cents a litre over the next two days, giving drivers some relief at the pumps ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Judge orders Melnyk-owned company to turn over documents in LeBreton dispute
A judge has ordered a company owned by late Senators owner Eugene Melnyk to turn over documents in a legal fight with Trinity Development Group about an ill-fated bid to redevelop LeBreton Flats.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | Royal Military College holding memorial to remember four cadets killed in Kingston, Ont.
A memorial service will be held at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont. this evening to remember the four cadets who were killed when their vehicle went into the water last month.
Toronto
-
Ontario COVID-19 hospitalizations drop to 1,207, 23 deaths reported
Ontario health officials are reporting 1,207 patients in hospital with COVID-19, along with 168 patients in intensive care units (ICU).
-
Two of four Ontario party leaders test positive for COVID-19
As the Ontario election date approaches, two of four of the province’s main political party leaders have tested positive for COVID-19.
-
Ontario gas prices about to take massive drop. Here's the best time to fill up
Drivers are set to get some major relief at the pumps ahead of the long weekend with gas prices expected to take a huge drop in Ontario.
Montreal
-
Montreal has 17 suspected monkeypox cases; officials say it's 'not highly contagious' or severe
Montreal Public Health said they're asking health workers to be alert for monkeypox cases but said the illness is also not extremely contagious and is the milder of two strains. There are 17 suspected cases in the Montreal area.
-
5 reasons Quebec's language law reform is stirring controversy
The government says Bill 96 is a moderate reform that will improve protection for French while preserving English services.
-
Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations going down as province adds 14 more deaths
The number of Quebecers in hospital to be treated for COVID-19 has decreased by 37, according to public health officials.
Atlantic
-
NEW
NEW | Masks no longer required in Nova Scotia public schools next week
Starting next week, students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks in Nova Scotia public schools.
-
NEW
NEW | Expert says N.B. police officer who fatally shot Chantel Moore was right to use lethal force
An expert in Canadian policing says the New Brunswick officer who killed a 26-year-old Indigenous woman during a wellness check two years ago was following police training.
-
Former RCMP staff sergeant describes spotty radio, lack of resources in N.S. shooting
A Mountie who led much of the response to the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting testified Wednesday that spotty radio service and the lack of an RCMP helicopter were among the equipment problems that hampered the manhunt.
Winnipeg
-
'Kindness and innocence': Parents remember daughter killed in crash with alleged drunk driver
The parents of a 24-year-old woman killed in a crash involving an alleged drunk driver earlier this month are remembering their daughter for her kindness and willingness to help others.
-
Assistance needed to identify Winnipeg woman hit and killed by vehicle
The Winnipeg Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify a woman who was hit and killed by a vehicle late Tuesday night.
-
Manitoba civil service union fought wage freeze, wins retroactive pay hikes
Some 11,000 Manitoba civil servants have won retroactive pay raises after fighting government demands for a wage freeze.
Calgary
-
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Battle of Alberta starts with a bang as Flames down Oilers 9-6 to open playoff series
Matthew Tkachuk scored a hat trick for the Calgary Flames in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the Edmonton Oilers to open their NHL playoff series.
-
Possible contenders for UCP leader waste little time after Kenney resignation
Even as the smoke cleared from the shocking resignation of Jason Kenney Wednesday evening, several of his challengers were sending out Zoom invites amid hints of leadership campaigns to replace him.
Edmonton
-
Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Possible contenders for UCP leader waste little time after Kenney resignation
Even as the smoke cleared from the shocking resignation of Jason Kenney Wednesday evening, several of his challengers were sending out Zoom invites amid hints of leadership campaigns to replace him.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | Josh Classen's forecast: Cloudy, cool and a few showers
Warmer and sunnier weather will arrive just in time for the long weekend.
Vancouver
-
Mountie seriously injured after crash into Burnaby building
An RCMP officer was taken to hospital with serious injuries Wednesday after an unmarked police SUV collided with another vehicle and crashed into a building.
-
B.C. spending scandal: Judge to issue decision in case against former legislature clerk
The former clerk of the British Columbia legislature is expected to hear a judge's ruling today following a Vancouver trial that ended in March.
-
B.C. wildfire investigation: Police ask for dash-cam video to determine cause of blaze near Highway 1
B.C. Mounties are investigating the cause of a wildfire that broke out near Highway 1 west of Ashcroft earlier this week.