Northumberland OPP Crime Unit is investigating a suspicious fire that levelled a home in Alnwick/Haldimand Township on Thursday, September 24, 2020.
Alnwick/Haldimand Township firefighters received a call for a “possible” structure fire at Dunnette Landing Road just south of Rice Lake at 3:22 p.m.
Fire Chief Mark Diminie had just left the firehall in Roseneath when firefighters were dispatched.
“As I was getting close to the scene I noticed a column of dark smoke going straight up. When I arrived on scene the east end of the structure was fully involved.”
Diminie immediately called for all three Alnwick/Haldimand stations to respond to the scene of the fire.
Firefighters could only fight the flames from the outside of the residence because of the intensity of the fire.
“The progression of the fire at a point that it was going to be very difficult for us to extinguish the fire and save the house.”
Hamilton Township Fire Department were called to assist in battling the flames.
“The fire originated in the living quarters of the house – based on witnesses.”
There were two occupants of the home who made it out of the house.
A person with no clothes on was taken away handcuffed on a stretcher from the scene.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office was called, but did not attend.
Northumberland OPP taped off the area and held the scene for investigators.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
