Prince Edward County at 30 Main Street near the LCBO in Picton Saturday, March 12. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Concern over a delay in smoke alarm activation is now the focal point of the investigation into a fatal house fire that claimed the life of a 25-year-old Picton man Saturday.
Emergency response crews were called to 30 Main Street in Picton before 9 a.m., where 51-year-old Juanita Dubois escaped with her daughter 16-year-old Emily Walker and 21-year-old son Nick Dubois. Tragically her son 25-year-old Zachary Dubois was killed in the blaze.
Bill Hay of the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office tells Quinte News he believes the fire was accidental but there is concern about the delay in activation of two working smoke alarms.
He says they’re looking into why they didn’t activate quicker than they did.
Hay confirms all of the occupants were in bed when the fire began on the first floor of the older style home.
The fire isn’t considered suspicious and Hay says several accidental sources of ignition are being considered.
A Go Fund me account was set up for the family immediately after the fire. It can be accessed by clicking here.
Hay is asking anyone with information or images of the blaze to contact Prince Edward OPP.
