'Such outcomes are unspeakable': Fatal fire in Waterloo under investigation
Flames and smoke could be seen shooting out of a home on Graham Street in Waterloo shortly after midnight on Monday, creating a scene that firefighters say was intense before they arrived.
“When they turned off of Weber Street onto Roger, they could see the glow of the fire and smoke. That in addition to multiple calls about the fire, they knew that they were responding to a very significant incident,” Waterloo Fire Chief Richard Hepditch said.
Fire officials were able to get the fire under control just after 3 a.m., but multiple people were sent to hospital, including a 54-year-old woman who was pronounced dead.
A 58-year-old man and a 30-year-old man were also rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Such outcomes are unspeakable. There’s no way that we can know how the family is grieving and feeling, but we can get behind them as a community as family friends and loved ones to help out,” said Hepditch.
“Our crews also were able to perform a rescue from the exterior of the property,” he added. “Though a tragic outcome, we’d like to acknowledge their contributions to a very significant fire and we thank them for their efforts.”
In a statement released Monday afternoon, the City of Waterloo said it offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Waterloo resident who tragically died in the fire.
“On behalf of council, we join the family and friends of the deceased in mourning the loss of life as a result of this devastating fire. We offer our sincere condolences,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “We also extend our gratitude to the emergency services staff who responded swiftly to the scene.”
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) is also investigating.
“[We are] focusing our efforts on the north side of the building. We won’t have those answers until our investigation is complete,” said Michael Bird, a fire investigator with the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).
The OFM uncovered another heartbreaking discovery, learning four dogs and three cats were also inside the home.
“So far the ones we’ve located have been deceased,” said Bird.
The City of Waterloo said four buildings were impacted by the fire -- two of them significantly.
It is estimating about $1.5 million in total damages.
“We should have the scene examination by the end of the day [Tuesday],” Bird said. “It may be sooner, it may be later, I’m not sure at this point.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.