An overnight fire on Jan. 18 destroyed a house between the villages of Erin and Hillsburgh.
Police announced two days later that unidentified human remains found at the scene were sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for analysis.
Hillsburgh and Erin firefighters were first called at 9:25am on Jan. 18 for a reported structure fire on the 8th Line between Sideroad 17 and Wellington Road 22.
The Wellington County OPP Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services Unit, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall and the Centre of Forensic Sciences are investigating.
“It’s a complete loss,” Callaghan said of the home, which was reduced to a foundation and smoking rubble.
When asked about a damage estimate, he told the Advertiser on Jan. 18, “Right now, we’re more worried about people who may have been inside.”
It appears the blaze took place sometime overnight, as the house was already destroyed when firefighters arrived on Jan. 18.
Callaghan said the original 911 call was made by someone who came to check on horses on the property (the barn is not located near the house and was not damaged).
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips.
See related photo on page 6.
