Tragic House Fire Claims Lives at the Oneida Nation Settlement

Press Release

In the late morning of Wednesday, December 14, a fire raged through a home located on the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement, 25kms southwest of London, Ontario, claiming the lives of several family members in the home.

Fire fighters arrived on scene at approximately 11:00 AM and found that the house was engulfed in flames. The weather conditions and cold temperatures hampered fire fighters’ efforts to extinguish the fire immediately. The Oneida Fire Department responded to the scene, and received immediate assistance and cooperation from the Delaware Fire Department.

After the fire was brought under control, a search was conducted for several members of the family that were unaccounted for who were known to be residents of the house. Unfortunately, the family members were not able to be located, and are presumed to have perished in the fire.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office was invited to the Settlement to investigate the fire, but the investigation was terminated early last evening due to the structural damage of the house and visibility conditions. The investigation will continue this morning and over the next few days until the Fire Marshal determines that the scene can be released.

The elected Chief of Oneida Nation of the Thames, Randall Phillips stated that “the community has suffered a terrible tragedy and most residents are in a state of shock. This loss is tremendous in a tight knit community such as ours, and we are only starting to grasp the reality of what has happened. In light of this, the Oneida Community Centre has been made available as a gathering place for family or other community members affected by the fire, and grief counsellors are in place there for anyone who needs them.”

The Chief also wanted to note and thank the efforts of everyone that has offered to lend a hand or provided support including all of the fire, police, and other emergency personnel who responded, as well as community members at large. There are several organizations and individuals that have offered their help during this time of need, and the elected Chief and Council extends their gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Special acknowledgement to the members of the Six Nations Fire Department for their on site and on-going support.
Donations and support for the family is greatly appreciated. Monetary, clothing and other donations are also being accepted at the Oneida Administration Office, as requested by the Doxtator Antone Family.

For further questions please contact the Oneida Political Office at (519) 652-6161. To enquire about donating, please call the Oneida Administration Office at (519) 652-3244.

“People of the Standing Stone”

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