One person confirmed dead after fire at Essa Township home

One person is confirmed to have died in a fire that broke out at a home in Essa Township last week.

Provincial police confirm one person died in a house fire in Essa Township last week.

The fire broke out at a home on the Ninth Line, with thick smoke billowing from the roof on Tuesday. A fire official said crews had trouble searching the home’s interior because of the flames, and later noted they were unable to contact the homeowner.

Initially, officials said the blaze was considered suspicious, but on Monday, nearly one week later, police stated further investigation deemed it non-suspicious, adding foul play is not suspected in the individual’s death. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed.

Two cats were also found dead inside the home, while a rabbit survived.

Police say the Ontario Fire Marshal is continuing to investigate alongside Nottawasaga OPP and the chief coroner and forensic pathology service.