One dead after fire ravages Welland home

That person was not injured, he said.

Niagara Regional Police in a news release issued Thursday afternoon said the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has taken the lead in an investigation, with police, the fire department and the Office of the Coroner assisting. 

Police said the cause is not believed to be criminal in nature. 

The value of the damage is unknown, police said.

The fire department was later able to confirm the body of a male was found inside the house, police said. An identification could not be made at the scene. A post-mortem exam will be conducted.

A dog was also found dead inside the house.

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• Dec 31, 1969
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• Dec 31, 1969
• Comments

Numerous callers reported the fire at about 11:05 a.m.

Firefighters could see smoke from at least two kilometres away while responding to the blaze and found a lot of flames when they arrived.

“There was fire on both levels coming out of all of the windows and doors, which is untenable, unsurvivable fire conditions,” Chief Eckhart said.

“Crews made a defensive attack, trying to knock it down and protecting nearby exposures (houses).”

Eckhart said the fire would not have been survivable for firefighters — who had water on the blaze within about a minute and a half of arriving — even in their protective gear.

The fire’s rapid growth led the chief ask residents to move back as heat radiated across the street.

“You could feel it through clothing.”

Eckhart said the fire service has a history with the property.

He said firefighters responded to multiple fires at the residence and added there was a recent fire code conviction against the property in Provincial Offences Court.

In April 2023, firefighters rescued two men and a dog from the basement of the house. One of those men was transported to Welland hospital in serious condition, while the other’s condition improved on scene.

At that time, neighbours reported a third person might be inside, but after two searches firefighters did not find anyone in the home and the fire service believed the person was not home at the time.

In addition to multiple fires, Eckhart said there was a recent fire code conviction against the property.

During the last check on the property, the fire service found the home partially demolished inside, undergoing renovation from a fire last year.

“Given the heat, fire growth and extent it (fire) was through the building, it’s believed the house was still in the partial restoration phase. It was a complex fire.”

Eckhart said multiple callers reported the fire and neighbours encouraged the people inside to evacuate.

He was grateful for the calls to 911 and that neighbours did not try to enter the house and injure themselves.

Niagara Emergency Medical Services was on scene and its chief said there were no injuries reported.

Eighteen firefighters and five fire trucks responded.

Police assisted by closing area streets and evacuating nearby homes.

Welland public works staff used barriers to also close roads in the area, so fire hydrants could be accessed and hose lines be protected.

Many years ago, the house was a popular attraction during the city’s winter lights tours and competition, fully decked out and in support of raising funds for Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.