What the review found

The following section provides the findings of the review of the 56 deaths in 29 fires that occurred in 20 First Nations communities across Ontario from 2008-2017.

Table 1. Number of fires, fatalities and communities involved by geographic group, 2008-2017

• Communities where the fatal fires occurred ranged in population size from 30 to 12,750. The majority (13 of 20) had less than 1,000 people living in the community.
• The highest number (11) and percentage (38%) of fatal fires occurred in communities with no year-round road access.
• The highest number (26) and percentage (46%) of fire fatalities occurred in communities with no year-round road access.
• There were 27 residential fires, 1 fire in an administrative building and 1 fire in a shed.

What is happening - cause of fatal fires

The cause of fire was reported as undetermined in 55% of the fatal fire investigations in First Nations communities in Ontario. In comparison, in non-First Nations communities in Ontario, the cause of fatal fires was reported as undetermined 29% of the time.

First Nation communities with no year-round road access had the highest percentage of undetermined cause of fire at 73%. The complete or near complete destruction of structures often prevents a cause from being determined, as all potential evidence is consumed/destroyed in the fire. This could be a key factor in the higher percentage reflected above.

Figure 1: Cause of fatal fires in First Nations (N=29) and non-First Nations communities (N=725) in Ontario, 2008-2017

Fatal Fires in First Nations Communities

• Accidental: 31%
• Intentional: 14%
• Undetermined: 55%

Fatal Fires in non-First Nations communities in Ontario

• Accidental: 56%
• Intentional: 15%
• Undetermined: 29%

Note: The comparative data for non-First Nations communities in Ontario are all residential fires.

Figure 2: Cause of fatal fires by geographic location of First Nations Communities (N=29), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=9)

• Accidental: 34%
• Intentional: 33%
• Undetermined: 33%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Accidental: 33%
• Intentional: 11%
• Undetermined: 56%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Accidental: 27%
• Intentional: 0%
• Undetermined: 73%

Notes: Intentional cause of fatal fires includes arson, homicide, suicide and intentionally setting a fire that results in death(s).

The cause of a fire is classified as undetermined when there are competing theories as to the cause or when there is insufficient evidence to determine the cause of the fire. In many undetermined cases, the extent of damage sustained by the fire destroys evidence that can assist in determining the cause. When there is complete loss of a structure, most of the evidence that can assist in determining the cause may have been lost.

In fires where the cause was reported as undetermined (i.e. without reliable information to determine the cause) in First Nation communities:

• 13/16 structures were a complete loss
• 3/16 structures had sustained significant damage

How are fires starting?

When known, cooking stoves and heating sources (wood stove, chimney/fire place) were the most common way a fire started. All three of the fires that were known to have started because of a heating source were in communities with no year-round road access.

Figure 3: Ignition source of fatal fires in First Nations (N=29) and non-First Nations communities (N=725) in Ontario, 2008-2017

Fatal fires in First Nations Communities:

• Undetermined: 45%
• Stove, range-top burner: 10%
• Heat (wood burning stove, chimney, fireplace): 10%
• Matches and Lighters: 7%
• Other (clothes dryer, other electrical): 7%
• Not reported: 7%
• Cigarettes: 0%
• Intentional/Arson: 14%

Fatal fires in Non-First Nations Communities:

• Undetermined: 27%
• Stove, range-top burner: 10%
• Heat (wood burning stove, chimney, fireplace): 2%
• Matches and Lighters: 4%
• Other (clothes dryer, other electrical): 16%
• Not reported: 0%
• Cigarettes: 26%
• Intentional/Arson: 15%

Figure 4: Ignition source of fatal fires by geographic location of First Nations communities (N=29), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access with a MTSA (N=9)

• Undetermined: 22%
• Matches and Lighters: 0%
• Stove, range-top burner: 11%
• Heat (wood burning stove, chimney, fireplace): 0%
• Other: 22%
• Not reported: 11%
• Intentional: 34%

Communities with year-round road access no MTSA (N=9)

• Undetermined: 56%
• Matches and Lighters: 11%
• Stove, range-top burner: 22%
• Heat (wood burning stove, chimney, fireplace): 0%
• Other: 0%
• Not reported: 0%
• Intentional: 11%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Undetermined: 55%
• Matches and Lighters: 9%
• Stove, range-top burner: 0%
• Heat (wood burning stove, chimney, fireplace): 27%
• Other: 0%
• Not reported: 9%
• Intentional: 0%

Notes: Ignition sources are more likely to be undetermined when there is significant damage to the structure (Similar to the detemination of the cause of a fire).

Where are the fires occurring and what are the living arrangements?

Most structures were detached, single story residences built after 1975.

Figure 5: Structure characteristics of fatal fires in First Nations communities (N=29)

Number of stories:

• Single story building: 93%
• 1.5 story building: 7%

Property Type:

• Detached residence: 86%
• Other (ex. trailer, shed): 14%

Building Age:

• built or renovated after 1975: 86 %
• built or renovated before 1975: 14%

*one structure was unreported and excluded

Construction/Renovation Status

• Not under construction/renovation at the time: 93%
• Under construction/renovation at the time: 7%

Note: The information available to the review did not reveal if renovations were required for the structures or the year the structure was built.

The number of people living in the residences at the time of the fire ranged from 1-9. The number of individuals present in the residence at the time of the fires ranged from 1 - 10.

Figure 6: Number of fires by the number of people living in the house and the number of people present at the time of the fire (N=26^{footnote 1[1]}), 2008-2017.

Number of fires by number of people living in the residence:

• 1 person: 7
• 2 people: 2
• 3people: 4
• 4 people: 6
• 5 people: 2
• 6 people: 0
• 7 people: 3
• 8 people: 0
• 9 people: 2
• 10 people: 0

Number of fires by number of people present at the time of the fire:

• 1 person: 10
• 2 people: 2
• 3 people: 4
• 4 people: 3
• 5 people: 2
• 6 people: 1
• 7 people: 0
• 8 people: 1
• 9 people: 2
• 10 people: 1

A higher number of individuals living in a residence would likely mean that there are more personal belongings within the structure, and potentially more flammable material for fires. It could also mean that it is more difficult to escape a structure.

How are structures constructed and heated?

Common floor and ceiling construction material differed between the three geographic communities. In communities with no year-round road access wood finish interior walls (55%) and fibre tiles ceilings (55%) were more common. Gypsum board was more common in communities with year round-road access.

Figure 7: Interior building materials by geographic location of First Nations communities (N=29), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=9)

• Wood: 22%
• Gypsum board: 67%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 11%
• Unknown: 0%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Wood: 11%
• Gypsum board: 56%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 33%
• Unknown: 0%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Wood: 64%
• Gypsum board: 9%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 18%
• Unknown: 9%

Figure 8: Ceiling materials of structure by geographic location of First Nations communities (N=29), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=9)

• Fibre tile: 0%
• Gypsum board: 56%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 22%
• Unknown: 22%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Fibre tile: 11%
• Gypsum board: 45%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 33%
• Unknown: 11%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Fibre tile: 55%
• Gypsum board: 0%
• Other^{footnote 2[2]}: 11%
• Unknown: 34%

Notes: Construction material may affect the amount of flammable material and fire spread in a structure. Wood and fibre construction material are more flammable than gypsum board.

Fatal fires where the primary source of heating was wood stove/wood heater were highest in communities with no year-round road access (73%).

A quarter of the structures had a secondary heating source (e.g., electric baseboard heaters, radiant propane heater, kitchen range).

Figure 9: Primary heating source of structure by geographic location of First Nations communities (N=28^{footnote 3[3]}), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=8)

• Wood stove/heater: 25%
• Other (Electric, gas, oil, propane): 62%
• Not-reported: 13%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Wood stove/heater: 56%
• Other (Electric, gas, oil, propane): 44%
• Not-reported: 0%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Wood stove/heater Gypsum board: 73%
• Other (Electric, gas, oil, propane): 18%
• Not-reported: 9%

When are fires occurring?

Over 70% (21/29) fatal fires occurred in the colder months. This similar pattern is observed in non-First Nations communities in Ontario.

Figure 10: Fatal fires by month of fire in First Nations and non-First Nations communities in Ontario (N=29), 2008-2017

Number of Fires in First Nations Communities

• Jan: 6
• Feb: 2
• Mar: 3
• Apr: 0
• May: 2
• Jun: 6
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 1
• Oct: 3
• Nov: 1
• Dec: 5

Average number of fatal fires in non-First Nations Communities in Ontario

• Jan: 8
• Feb: 7
• Mar: 9
• Apr: 6
• May: 7
• Jun: 4
• Jul: 4
• Aug: 5
• Sep: 4
• Oct: 6
• Nov: 8
• Dec: 9

Figure 11: Fatal fires by month of fire and geographic location of First Nations Communities (N=29), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=9)

• Jan: 3
• Feb: 0
• Mar: 0
• Apr: 0
• May: 0
• Jun: 3
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 0
• Oct: 1
• Nov: 0
• Dec: 2

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Jan: 1
• Feb: 2
• Mar: 0
• Apr: 0
• May: 0
• Jun: 1
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 0
• Oct: 2
• Nov: 1
• Dec: 2

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Jan: 2
• Feb: 0
• Mar: 3
• Apr: 0
• May: 2
• Jun: 2
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 1
• Oct: 0
• Nov: 0
• Dec: 1

Note: No obvious pattern was observed for the six fatal fires that occurred in June.

No specific pattern was observed between the heating source and months of the fatal fires.

Figure 12: Heating sources in structures by month of fire (N=29), 2008-2017

Wood

• Jan: 2
• Feb: 2
• Mar: 3
• Apr: 0
• May: 2
• Jun: 1
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 0
• Oct: 1
• Nov: 1
• Dec: 1

Other sources:

• Jan: 2
• Feb: 0
• Mar: 0
• Apr: 0
• May: 0
• Jun: 4
• Jul: 0
• Aug: 0
• Sep: 0
• Oct: 1
• Nov: 0
• Dec: 4

Not reported:

• June: 1
• Sep: 1

Notes: Heating source was not necessarily found to be connected to cause of fire. This may be due to the large number of fires with an undetermined cause.

70% of fires occurred overnight (9 p.m.- 6 a.m.). A similar trend of fatalities occurring in overnight fires was seen in non-First Nations communities in Ontario. No pattern was observed for single or multi-fatality fires.

Figure 13: Number of fires by number of fatalities and time of day (3 hour time periods) (N=29), 2008-2017

• This figure shows that most fatal fires occur between 9pm and 3am and the least number of fatalities occurs between 12pm and 6pm.
• The provincial trend shows the greatest number of fires occurring between 12am and 6am.

Importance of early notification

86% of fatal fires in First Nations communities had either no (50%) or non-operational (7%) smoke alarms or the presence of the smoke alarms was unknown (either undetermined or not reported) (29%). For comparison, 70% of fatal residential fires in non-First Nations communities in Ontario had either no (15%) or non-operational (28%) smoke alarms or the presence of the smoke alarms was unknown (either undetermined or not reported) (27%).

The absence of smoke detectors was highest (73%) in fires in communities with no year-round road access.

Figure 14: Presence and operation of a smoke alarm in fatal fires in First Nations (N=28^{footnote 4[4]}) and non-First Nations communities in Ontario (N=725), 2008-2017

Fires in First Nation communities:

• Present – operated: 14%
• Present - did not operate or undetermined: 7%
• None present: 50%
• Presence undetermined: 21%
• Not reported: 7%

Non-First Nation residential fires in Ontario:

• Present – operated: 30%
• Present - did not operate or undetermined: 28%
• None present: 15%
• Presence undetermined: 21%
• Not reported: 6%

Figure 15: Presence and operation of a smoke alarm by geographic location of First Nations communities, 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=8)

• Present – operated: 12%
• Present - did not operate: 12%
• None present: 38%
• Presence undetermined (scene too damaged): 38%
• Not reported: 0%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=9)

• Present – operated: 34%
• Present - did not operate:11%
• None present: 33%
• Presence undetermined (scene too damaged): 11%
• Not reported: 11%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=11)

• Present – operated: 0%
• Present - did not operate: 0%
• None present: 73%
• Presence undetermined (scene too damaged): 18%
• Not reported: 9%

Note: 1 fire was excluded because a detection device was not required in the structure type

Notes: Presence of a smoke alarm may have been undetermined due to the severity and damage of the fire

Structures that used wood stoves/wood heaters were less likely to have a smoke alarm.

Figure 16: Heating source and presence of smoke alarms in First Nations communities (N=26^{footnote 5[5]}), 2008-2017

Wood:

• Present: 13%
• None Present: 60%
• Presence Undetermined: 20%
• Not reported: 7%

Other (Gas, Electric, Oil, Propane):

• Present: 36%
• None Present: 36%
• Presence Undetermined: 18%
• Not reported: 9%

Ability to escape

Most people were familiar with their surroundings. Most structures were built with multiple doors providing opportunities for multiple exit locations. Some exits were blocked prior to the fire to maintain heat in the structure or for another reason; making the exit unavailable when the fire occurred. Some exits were blocked by fire and/or smoke at the time of fire.

Figure 17: Fire-related death by familiarity with structure (N=56), 2008-2017

• More than 3 months: 80%
• Less than 3 months: 4%
• Not reported or not applicable: 17%

Mobility impairments, doorways blocked by objects, and smoke/fire may have prevented escape for some adults.

Figure 18: Reason for failure to escape (N=54^{footnote 6[6]}), 2008-2017

• Under the Age of 5: 28%
• Age and/or other physical limitations: 6%
• Smoke/fire blocked exit: 11%
• Undetermined or unreported: 56%

There was at least one survivor in 41% of the fires that occured (12 of 29 fires). Most fires with survivors occurred between 10pm and 7am. There was no pattern observed in regards to survivors and the presence or absence of smoke alarms. The deceased person was the only occupant in 41% of the fires (12 of 29 fires). Of the total number of fires, multi-fatalities with no survivors occurred in 17% (5 of 29 fires).

Figure 19: Number of deaths and number of individuals who survived by fire (N=29)

• There was at least one survivor in 12 of the 29 fires.
• The deceased person was the only occupant in 12 of 29 fires.
• Five of the 29 fires were multi fatalities with no survivors.
• Operating smoke alarms were identified in 3 fires where the deceased person was the only occupant and 1 fire where there was 1 survivor out of 3 occupants. The presence of smoke alarms were undetermined for 2 fires where the deceased person was the only occupant, 2 fires where there was 1 survivor out of 3 occupants and 1 fire where where the 2 occupants did not survive.

Emergency response and outcome

In 70% of communities a fire service responded at the time of fire (15 of 20 communities). Emergency response and fire suppression on their own have a limited impact on survival which makes early detection and escape paramount. Even though there was a fire service response in most communities, it does not necessarily mean that the response was adequately supported, maintained and able to affect the outcome.

In the 15 communities where a fire service response occurred there were 4 fire trucks/tankers that were not fully operational (e.g., frozen pumps/nozzles, fire truck wouldn’t start, pumper did not have water in the tank). While some information remains unknown, there were 3 fires where hydrants were available, but the water supply was inaccessible (e.g. due to weather, water pressure, distance).

In 31% of fires (8 of 29) there was a rescue attempt by first responders (police and fire).

Figure 20: Proportion of communities where a fire service responded at the time of the fire, by geographic region (N=20), 2008-2017

Communities with year-round road access and a MTSA (N=6)

• Fire Service Response: 100%
• No Fire Service Response: 0%

Communities with year-round road access and no MTSA (N=7)

• Fire Service Response: 71%
• No Fire Service Response: 29%

Communities with no year-round road access (N=7)

• Fire Service Response: 43%
• No Fire Service Response: 57%

Notes: There are varying definitions of ‘fire service’ and resources to respond to a fire. The definitions ranged from a solitary Fire Chief to a municipal fire department.

There were 29 fires in 20 communities. The data captured whether there was a fire service response for each fire. If there were multiple fires in the same community, the fire service response was recorded separately for each fire.

Who is at greatest risk?

First Nations children under the age of 5 had the highest number of deaths

Overall, there were a similar number of deaths for males and females. However, there were slightly more males than females in the 50+ age group.

Children under 10 tended to be in residential fires with multiple fatalities, compared to those aged 75+ who died in single fatality fires, in First Nations communities.

Figure 21: Number of First Nations communities fire-related deaths by age group and sex (N=56), 2008-2017

Female

• 0 to 4 age group: 7
• 5 to 9 age group: 3
• 10 to 14 age group: 0
• 15 to 19 age group: 2
• 20 to 34 age group: 5
• 35 to 49 age group: 7
• 50 to 64 age group: 1
• 65 to 74 age group: 1
• 75 + age group: 0

Male

• 0 to 4 age group: 8
• 5 to 9 age group: 3
• 10 to 14 age group: 0
• 15 to 19 age group: 0
• 20 to 34 age group: 5
• 35 to 49 age group: 6
• 50 to 64 age group: 4
• 65 to 74 age group: 2
• 75 + age group: 2

Figure 22: Number of fire-related deaths by age-group whether fire was single or multi-fatality (N=56), 2008-2017

Single fatality:

• 0 to 4 age group: 2
• 5 to 9 age group: 0
• 10 to 14 age group: 0
• 15 to 19 age group: 1
• 20 to 34 age group: 4
• 35 to 49 age group: 5
• 50 to 64 age group: 2
• 65 to 74 age group: 1
• 75 + age group: 2

Multi-fatality:

• 0 to 4 age group: 13
• 5 to 9 age group: 6
• 10 to 14 age group: 0
• 15 to 19 age group: 1
• 20 to 34 age group: 6
• 35 to 49 age group: 8
• 50 to 64 age group: 3
• 65 to 74 age group: 2
• 75 + age group: 0

Compared to fire fatalities in non-First Nations communities in Ontario, fires in First Nations communities had a markedly higher number of deaths in children under age 10. Fires in First Nations communities resulted in a higher number of deaths in the 20-49 age group and a lower number of deaths in the 50+ age group compared to deaths in non-First Nations communities in Ontario.

Overall, the fire-related mortality rate is 10 times greater in First Nations communities compared to non-First Nations communities in Ontario during the period of 2008-2017.

The age-specific mortality rate for residential fire fatalities in children (under the age of 10) is 86 times greater in First Nations communities compared to non-First Nations communities in Ontario.

Figure 23: Proportion of fire fatalities in First Nations communities (N=56) compared to Residential fire fatalities in non-First Nations communities in Ontario (N=725) by age group, 2008-2017

First-Nations Communities (N=56)

• <10 years :38%
• 10 to 19 age group: 4%
• 20 to 49 age group: 41%
• 50 years and over: 18%

Non-First Nations Communities in Ontario (N=725)

• <10 years: 3%
• 10 to 19 age group: 5%
• 20 to 49 age group: 27%
• 50 years and over: 64%

Figure 24: Overall and age-specific annualized fire mortality rate in First Nations communities and residential non-First Nations communities in Ontario, 2008-2017

Fire-related mortality rate in First Nations Communities

• <10 years: 14.3 per 100, 000
• 10 to 19 age group: 1.2 per 100, 000
• 20 to 49 age group: 5.3 per 100, 000
• 50 years and over: 4.3 per 100, 000
• Overall: 5.7 per 100, 000
• Fire-related mortality rate in non-First Nations Communities
• <10 years: 0.17 per 100, 000
• 10 to 19 age group: 0.24 per 100,000
• 20 to 49 age group: 0.38 per 100,000
• 5 years and over: 0.91 per 100,000
• Overall: 0.54 per 100, 000

First Nations Mortality rate difference compared to Non-First Nations Communities in Ontario

• <10 years: 86x
• 10 to 19 age group: 5x
• 20 to 49 age group: 14x
• 50 years and over: 5x
• Overall: 10x

See appendix 3 for calculations.

Notes: Recognized differences in the age distribution of First Nations communities compared to non-First Nations communities in Ontario does not explain the large number of fire fatalities involving children and youth in First Nations fires.

First Nations individuals that die in a fire outside of a First Nations community are included as part of the residential fire-related mortality rate of non-First Nations communities in Ontario.

What were people doing at the time of the fire?

At the time of the fire just under 40% of all individuals in the structure were active (i.e. the individuals were not sleeping).

Activities of people in the structures at the time of the fatal fires:

• 31% of individuals in the structures were sleeping
• 38% of people in the structures were active (watching TV, playing)
• The activities were unknown for 38% of individuals in the structures.

Notes: If there were no survivors to report information to the investigators, the activities of individuals may be unknown.

In almost 60% of fires there was an individual within the structure with a history of smoking. Of the individuals that died over the age of 15, 49% of individuals had a history of smoking.  This percentage is similar to fire fatalities in non-First Nations communities (56%). When the cause of the fire could be determined in First Nations communities, smoking was not found to be the cause. Smoking cannot be excluded in the 55% of fires where the cause of the fire could not be determined.

Figure 25: History of smoking for fire-related deaths over 15 years of age in First Nations communities (N=56) and non-First Nations communities in Ontario (N=725), 2008-2017

Fire-related Deaths in First Nations Communities (N=35)

• History of Smoking: 49%
• No History of Smoking: 3%
• Unknown History of Smoking: 43%

Fire-related Deaths in Non-First Nations Communities in Ontario (N=693)

• History of Smoking: 56%
• No History of Smoking: 26%
• Unknown History of Smoking: 18%

As is the case for all fire fatalities in Ontario, toxicology is routinely performed on deceased persons. This review showed that 15/35 of people over the age of 15 had some level of alcohol detected in post mortem toxicology while 40% of people had no alcohol detected in post mortem toxicology. Comparison with toxicological testing from non-First Nations communities fire deaths was not completed as these data were not available in the data sources referenced.

Figure 26: Fire-related deaths over the age of 15 by toxicology testing for alcohol (N= 35)

15 to 19 age group:

• Toxicology positive for alcohol: 1
• Toxicology negative for alcohol: 1
• No tested: 0

20 to 34 age group:

• Toxicology positive for alcohol: 4
• Toxicology negative for alcohol: 2
• No tested: 4

35 to 49 age group:

• Toxicology positive for alcohol: 7
• Toxicology negative for alcohol: 6
• No tested: 0

50 to 64 age group:

• Toxicology positive for alcohol: 3
• Toxicology negative for alcohol: 1
• No tested: 1

65+ age group:

• Toxicology positive for alcohol: 0
• Toxicology negative for alcohol: 4
• No tested: 1

Note: Toxicology is not completed if relevant samples are unable to be obtained (no samples available due to severity of fire related injury).

What is cause of deaths in fatal fires?

Smoke inhalation directly contributed to 88% of deaths. This is similar to non-First Nations communities in Ontario where smoke inhalation directly contributed to 73% of fire-related deaths.

Figure 27: Cause of death of fire fatalities in First Nations communities (N=56) and non-First Nations communities in Ontario (N=725), 2008-2017

Fatal Fires in First Nations Communities

• Smoke inhalation^{footnote 7[7]}: 84%
• Smoke inhalation and burns: 4%
• Burns^{footnote 8[8]}: 5%
• Other: 0
• Undetermined: 7%
• Not reported: 0

Fatal Fires in non-First Nations Communities

• Smoke inhalation: 73%
• Smoke inhalation and burns: 0%
• Burns: 13%
• Other: 3%
• Undetermined: 3%
• Not reported: 8%

The manner of death was mostly classified as accident (93%; 52 deaths) with 2% (1 death) suicide, 3% homicide (2 deaths) and 2% (1 death) undetermined. This is similar to non-First Nations fire fatalities where the manner of death was classified as accident (86%), suicide (7%), homicide (3%) and undetermined (4%).

Figure 28: Manner of death of fire fatalities in First Nations (N=56) and non-First Nations communities (N=614 - OCC), 2008-2017

First Nations Communities

• Accident: 93%
• Homicide: 3%
• Suicide: 2%
• Undetermined: 2%

Non-First Nations Communities in Ontario (N=614)

• Accident: 86%
• Homicide: 3%
• Suicide: 7%
• Undetermined: 4%

Notes: Manner of death was provided from review of OCC data.