CHATHAM, ONT. -- Chatham-Kent police are investigating a fatal fire at an apartment building Saturday afternoon.
Emergency crews responded to the fire at an apartment building at 50 Merritt Ave. in Chatham where a person was found dead.
Chatham-Kent Fire said crews from Stations 1 and 2 responded to the fire just before 4 p.m. and the matter is now under investigation.
Apartment resident, Christa Pare, who loves on the second floor was at home when the fire alarm went off.
Pare says she rushed outside with her cat, and saw smoke coming from a third floor apartment.
“When I went around to the back you could see a fireman up in the apartment there was like ash, he was sweeping off the balcony and you could see a lot of smoke coming out of the apartment,” says Pare.
The apartment on the third floor which neighbours say the deceased lived in, shows a black and broken screen door leading to the balcony.
Police say they are working with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s officer and coroner’s office to determine the identity of the person as well as the origin and cause of the fire.
While police have not determined the identity neighbours tell CTV news that the individual was spunky and kind and loved by all residents
Pare says she was notified by neighbours late Saturday that someone had passed away in the fire.
“What we heard was the neighbour was in a wheelchair,” Pare says.
These details have not been confirmed by police.
“She used to ride around very happy go-lucky she made a lot of friends around here, she had a safety plan and I don’t know what happened,” says friend of the deceased, Maria Vandenbogaerde.
Apartment residents say they are creating a Go Fund Me page to support the deceased’s family during this time.
“Were hoping that everyone can open their hearts and help this poor family and let them know what southern Ontario can pull together and do for someone in need,” Pare says.
The Go Fund Me will be accessible once the persons identity has been released.
Police say they are working with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s officer and coroner’s office to determine the identity of the person as well as the origin and cause of the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Cole Abbott at colea@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension 262.
