MARKHAM, Ontario — Three people have died after a residential fire that damaged two homes in Markham on Friday morning, according to York Regional Police.
Emergency crews were called to the area of Carlton Road and Kennedy Road at approximately 6:45 a.m. after reports of a house fire.
Authorities said the blaze initially started in one residence before spreading to a neighbouring home. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was already in an advanced stage.
Markham Fire officials worked to contain the flames while police and emergency personnel evacuated several nearby homes as a precaution.
Three occupants — two women in their 70s and a man in his 80s — were rescued and transported to hospital with serious injuries. York Regional Police confirmed on Sunday that all three later died from their injuries.
The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released.
The fire caused significant damage to both properties and displaced multiple residents from the surrounding area.
Investigators with the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal have been notified and remain at the scene as they work to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
York Regional Police said the investigation is ongoing, and no information has been released regarding whether the fire is considered suspicious.
Officials are expected to provide additional updates once the cause of the fire has been determined.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest residential fires in the region this year.
