Coroner Findings on Fire Deaths in First Nations

Ontario Chief Coroner’s Table on Understanding Fire Deaths in First Nations (OCC-UFDFN)

The OCC-UFDFN examined fire deaths in First Nations communities in Ontario over a ten-year period, spanning from 2008 to 2017. This review identified 56 deaths in 29 fires that occurred in 20 First Nations communities across Ontario. Communities where the fatal fires occurred ranged in population size from 30 to 12,750, with the majority having less than 1,000 people living in the community.

Overview of findings and questions that remain:

Communities with no year-round road access had the highest number of fatal fires as well as the highest number of fire fatalities.
Previous research into fire fatalities found those at greatest risk to be children and older adults. This review found that First Nations children ages 0-9 had the highest fire-related mortality rate (86 times greater than non-First Nations children in Ontario).
Seventy percent of fire fatalities in First Nations communities occurred in colder months and 70% occurred overnight. This pattern is consistent with fire fatalities in non-First Nations communities in Ontario and other populations previously reviewed. However, there were a few months that did not follow the overall pattern. A further examination of what may be occurring during these months should be considered.
Most (86%) fatal fires in First Nations communities had either no or non-operational smoke alarms in the homes/structures (or the presence of the smoke alarms was unknown). Smoke alarms alert house occupants to smoke allowing early detection and more opportunity for escape. Smoke alarms are one of a number of safety planning approaches important in preventing fire deaths. Education and prevention key elements in reducing fire fatalities
Compared to non-First Nations communities in Ontario, more fatal fire investigations report the cause as undetermined in First Nations communities. This is likely due to the higher levels of structural damage seen in fatal fires in First Nations communities, especially those in remote areas where there is limited or no fire suppression capability. Cooking stoves and heating sources (wood stove, chimney/fire place) were the most common way a fire started when the cause was known.
This review identified differences in the most common building materials and heating sources used in homes and structures in First Nations communities. Specific construction materials may affect flammability and fire spread in structures. OFM will be conducting further research on structural elements of fatal fires.
Emergency response and fire suppression on their own have a limited impact on survival which makes early detection and escape paramount. In some communities there were no fire services available to respond to a fire. It is important to consider the funding and resources required for First Nations communities to ensure that training and education occurs and is tailored to the communities’ needs and realities.

The Advisory Group raised several issues and concerns about housing structures and funding. Important issues requiring further consideration in fire fatalities include: