OFM investigators wrapping up investigation into Barrie house explosion

Emergency crews tend to the scene of a reported house explosion in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.

Fire officials say investigators with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) office are wrapping up their probe into a fatal house explosion that happened in a south end neighbourhood in Barrie over the weekend.

The explosion Saturday morning turned the home into a pile of debris, and caused damage damage to neighbouring houses and vehicles. Firefighters battled intense flames and thick, black smoke after the deafening bang shook the quiet street.

Police confirmed a 45-year-old man was located in “what was left of the home” at 65 Marshall Street and taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries. On Monday, police say they learned he had passed away.

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A GoFundMe campaign launched following the explosion states a woman and her two daughters, who were not home at the time, are now left picking up the pieces. There was no mention of the man who died, however, several social media posts indicate he lived in the home. Officials have yet to confirm his identity.

Exactly what caused the explosion has yet to be determined.

“The investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal, who is being assisted by detectives from the Barrie Police Criminal Investigation Division,” Barrie police stated in an email to CTV News Tuesday.

CTV News will provide updates on the investigation as they become available.