FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE – After consultation with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office in regards to the house fire, police are confirming the incident is an active arson investigation.
Police have released the scene and are continuing to investigate.
On Tuesday August 18, 2020 at 8:23 AM, Police along with Ambulance and Fire departments responded to a residential structure fire reported on Sixth Line Road east of Cayuga Road.
As Police arrived on scene as the home was observed to be completely engulfed in flames. It was suspected that there might possibly be a male still inside the building; a passerby assisted by entering the building and did locate a male; the passerby managed get him out and to safety.
The members of the Six Nations Elected Council issued a statement about the fire.
“The Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council would like to express their heartfelt support to Elected Chief Mark Hill after the devastating fire that caused major fire and smoke damage to his home.
“Although the loss he has suffered is tremendous, we remain thankful that he was not physically harmed.
“Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services immediately responded to the house fire early Tuesday morning and we appreciate and applaud their swift action in responding to the crisis.
“The Elected Council has been in communication with Elected Chief Hill’s family and will continue to offer its support but kindly asks everyone to respect his privacy at this time.”
The council also asked for privacy for Chief Hill and to allow investigators to do their work.
Initially when they arrived Six Nations Police received word that another family member may still be inside the residence. A secondary search of the residence was initiated; police were updated that the other person was accounted for at a different location.
The home suffered major fire and smoke damage. Police remain on scene.
With the assistance of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM), Six Nations Police continue to investigate into the cause of the fire.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact:
A/Inspector Timothy Bomberry 519-445-2811 – or – CRIMESTOPPERS 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or www.crimestoppers-brant.ca
