Kingston Police Assisting Coroner’s Office in Investigation of Fatal Building Fire

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Detectives from the Kingston Police Major Crime Unit are investigating an apartment fire that has resulted in the death of a 53-year-old man.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2016, a resident noticed smoke in the fourth-floor hallway of the apartment building located at 17 Eldon Hall Place. The superintendent was notified and observed the smoke appeared to be originating from a fourth-floor apartment.

The building was evacuated and Kingston Fire and Rescue was first to arrive. The fire was mainly limited to the one apartment with some additional smoke damage to the hallway. The lone male tenant was found inside. Medical care was provided by both Kingston Fire and Rescue and Frontenac Paramedic Services. The man was transported to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Kingston Fire and Rescue inspectors worked in collaboration with police investigators following the extinguishing of the fire. The East Region Coroner’s Office was contacted and attended on scene, who have overall carriage of the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled to occur on December 23.

The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was also notified of the incident and is currently in Kingston to assist the Coroner’s Officer and Kingston Police with the investigation. Officers continue to maintain continuity of the apartment and following the autopsy the OFM will gain entry to inspect the scene. There is no indication of foul-play at this initial point in the investigation.

Anyone with information is please asked to contact Detective Clint Wills at 613-549-4660 ext 6266 or via email at cwills@kpf.ca.