One-year-old girl dies in Westport, Ont. fire
A house fire in Rideau Lakes Township has claimed the life of a one-year-old girl.
The fire at the home on Concession Road 9 in Westport, Ont. started around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police said Thursday the body of one-year-old Samara Holmes was found in the home after the blaze was extinguished.
Ontario Provincial Police say Holmes was sleeping at home with four of her family members when the fire broke out.
"One adult that was able to escape the house with two children, and by the time they were able to go back inside it was covered in smoke and it was impossible," said OPP Sgt. Cynthia Savard.
Two firefighters were injured while fighting the fire.
A small tribute of flowers and stuffed animals was placed outside the home Wednesday afternoon and continued to grow on Thursday.
Family members have started a GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $22,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
The Leeds OPP Crime Unit is investigating along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
Police said anyone with information should contact OPP or Crime Stoppers, and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
"There were heavy conditions and there was a child who was unaccounted for inside the home," Rideau Lakes Fire Chief Scott Granahan said on Wednesday.
Firefighters trying to rescue the child from the heavy smoke and flames became trapped themselves.
"A section of the ceiling collapsed, striking and trapping two of our firefighters," said Granaham. "They were rescued by other firefighters and taken to hospital."
The OPP says the fire is not considered suspicious.
Westport is about 120 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.
- with files from CTV's Kimberley Johnson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.