Police say an individual who was pulled from a structure fire this morning in Pembroke has succumbed to their injuries.
According to a press release from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), shortly before 8 a.m. March 28, police and the Pembroke Fire Department were called to a fire on the 300 block of Mary Street.
“One person was pulled from the structure and taken to a local hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries,” reads an OPP press release. “While the cause of death cannot yet be confirmed, investigators believe there is no imminent threat to public safety. The identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed.”
Friday afternoon, a detour remains in place, and it is expected to remain in effect for some time while officials monitor the situation and the investigation continues. The public is asked to avoid the area if possible.
Pembroke Fire Department officials say they received a report of black smoke coming from the structure on Mary Street around 7:53 a.m.
“PFD initially responded with one truck and the duty crew. On arrival, all available resources were requested to the scene,” reads a press release. “PFD began an aggressive fire attack. Significant smoke and fire damage was sustained throughout the building.”
A total of 27 firefighters and four vehicles responded to the incident.
“PFD would like to thank the OPP, Renfrew County Paramedics, ORPC, and Red Cross for their support during this ongoing incident,” reads the release.
The investigation is still ongoing under the direction of the UOV Crime Unit, with assistance of OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS), the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario (OCCO) and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS).
If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, they should contact the UOV OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.valleytips.ca.
(Sherry Haaima)
