There was a sad farewell Wednesday for Khalid Ali, the two-year-old boy killed in a fire in the city's west end.

Flames ripped through a Caldwell Avenue town home Monday night, killing the toddler and destroying his family's home.

Fatuma Hersi and her seven children were at home when the blaze broke out. Abdi Ali, the children's father, was working at the time of the incident.

It appears Khalid broke free of his mother while she was trying to round up her children.

None of the other family members were injured in the blaze.

Remembered as a happy boy

Ali remembered his youngest son as an active and happy toddler and hailed his wife as a hero when he spoke to the media before his son's service on Wednesday.

"She tried the best because when the fire starts there's no way because everywhere smoke," he said. "She did the best she could."

When Ali arrived home from work he tried to go into the burning house to try to save his child himself.

"It was too late," he said.

Cause still unknown

Investigators were back on the scene Wednesday trying to determine the cause of the fatal fire.

Officials say they know the fire started on the main floor and there was at least one working smoke detector in the home.

Officials also say the blaze was well underway before firefighters got the call.

"That fire was well-advanced by the time the fire service got notified," said Jim Fisher of the Fire Marsall's office. "It's a large family, a lot of children trying to round them up and get them out, that may have been the difficulty."

Community rallies to help

The tragic fire has sparked several community efforts to help the grieving family and others displaced by the fire.

Family friend Muhumad Qodah says the Ali family is grateful for the help.

"If you invest time and effort in your community, there will be a day that you will need your community and that community will rally around you," he said.

A bank account called the Khalid Ali Family Fund has been set up at a Carlington area TD bank.

Those wishing to donate money to the fund can make a donation to TD bank branch 0229, account number 5215301.

Donations are also being accepted at Carlington Community and Health Services and the Salvation Army.

Those willing to offer their help can drop off donations at the following locations:

  • Cash and clothing can be dropped off at Carlington Community and Health Services at 900 Merivale Rd.
  • Cash can be donated at the Central Park Tim Hortons located at 1250 Merivale Rd.
  • Clothing can be dropped off at The Stronghold at 102-1465 Caldwell Ave.
  • To co-ordinate furniture donations, residents are asked to call Sister Lorena at the Family House at 613-728-1268.
  • The Neighbourhood Diversity Store will also be accepting items this Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 1525 Caldwell Ave.

With a report from CTV's Joanne Schnurr