DEER LAKE FIRST NATION — Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office are all investigating a residential house fire at Deer Lake First Nation that has left three people unaccounted for.
The blaze broke out Sunday night in the remote fly-in community 320 kilometres north of Kenora.
A spokesperson for Nishnawbe Aski Police said Tuesday that the investigation is still in its infancy stages, but that more information will be released through the OPP at some point.
The spokesperson said members of the service's crime unit are currently engaged in the investigation, and have enlisted the assistance of the OPP's criminal investigations branch and forensic identification services.
The Ontario Fire Marshal's office said its staff are working with the coroner to determine if the missing individuals are inside the damaged residence.
However, fire marshal investigators have found that the condition of the house where the fire occurred makes it unsafe to enter at this time, and that it requires stabilization.
NAN Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse posted a social media message Monday stating that thoughts and prayers are with the community.
