Cause of Scugog Island house fire deemed accidental

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

SCUGOG: The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office (OFM) has completed their investigation into a house fire and explosion, occurring on Scugog Island’s Fralick’s Beach Road, on Tuesday, June 9th. “The OFM has concluded our on-scene investigation and has listed the cause as accidental and undetermined. The fire was on the exterior rear of the home. The fire had impinged on the propane tanks, and one exploded, as a result of the fire,” Fire Marshal’s office spokesperson Ryan Betts told The Standard, in an email. The incident occurred at 239 Fralicks Beach Road. Scugog fire crews were assisted by Uxbridge, Clarington, and Kawartha Lakes fire services. Four firefighters were injured while battling the fire. Three of the Scugog Firefighters were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries following the incident, and were later released. The Pump Operator was later diagnosed with a concussion. Durham Regional Police and Durham paramedics also assisted at the scene. According to the Township of Scugog, “the origin [of the fire] has been determined to be a second story deck/sunroom area.” Though Mr. Betts stated the OFM is not “able to comment [on] an estimated dollar loss” he did add the house “appears to be a complete loss.” Scugog Fire Chief Mark Berney estimates damages to be about $760,000. “No one was home at the time of the fire and there were no civilian injuries,” Mr. Betts wrote. Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew thanked the township’s firefighters, in a statement. “Our Scugog firefighters are amazing, and I am in awe of such bravery in the face of danger. We are truly grateful, and thank you for your care and dedication to our community and fire protection services,” she said. The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation also responded to the effort, in a Facebook post. “The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Council expresses our gratitude to the first responders for their impeccable work in tending to the fire and the needs of our community today. Thankfully the family is safe and healthy. Our hearts go out to the family, and to our people, as we are reminded how fortunate we are to have each other during these difficult times.” A GoFundMe page has been set up, to help the owners of the house on Scugog Island, identified on the page as Darlene and Joey Johnson. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com and search ‘Help Darlene and Joey-Fire.’