Help for fire victims

The fire that killed two people — and left as many as 80 homeless in Caledonia over the weekend — was likely set accidentally.

56-year-old Donna and 70-year-old Gerry Lapierre died in the third-floor unit they had just moved into. The rest of the tenants in the 30-unit building escaped. But only those who lived on the first two levels have been allowed back in to collect medicines and valuables. An investigator from the fire marshal’s office wrapped up his examination of the scene today. He said the fire started in the living room — and does not appear to have been set deliberately. But he won’t speculate on the cause until the centre for forensic sciences finishes studying the evidence collected.

Stephane Dubuc, Ontario Fire Marshal investigator: “We have two hypotheses, that we’re looking at, two accidental sources of ignition, but we’ll wait for the test results before concluding the investigation.”

The Community Support Centre of Haldimand Norfolk has been hosting meals and co-ordinating donations for the displaced residents.  Their phone number is 905-765-4408. Cash donations are eligible for a tax receipt.

Editor’s note: This article was updated June 23, 2014 to correct the spelling of Mr Dubuc’s given name. CHCH News regrets the error and apologizes to Mr Dubuc.