1 person dead following structure fire in Pembroke, Ont.

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

One person is dead following a Friday morning fire in Pembroke, Ont.

Emergency crews responded to a call for a fire in a structure on Mary Street shortly before 8 a.m.

“One person was pulled from the structure and taken to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a statement. “While the cause of death cannot yet be confirmed, investigators believe there is no imminent threat to public safety.”

The Pembroke Fire Department (PFD) says the initial call reported black smoke coming from the back of a structure. One truck and the duty crew responded to the fire.

“On arrival, all available resources were requested to the scene,” Chief Scott Selle said, adding 27 firefighters responded to the call.

“PFD began an aggressive fire attack. Significant smoke and fire damage was sustained throughout the building.”

Police are asking people to avoid the area while police and fire officials remain on the scene of the fire.

The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP with the assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Services and the Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire and the death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 1-888-310-1122.