SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION – Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Delores Kakagamic says a tragic house fire that killed three children late Thursday night might have been prevented if the community had adequate firefighting resources.
“Our volunteers did all they could with what they had. We should have the same level of support as anyone else in Canada. Lives are at stake,” Kakagemic said in a release.
Grant Meekis, who died on his ninth birthday, Remi Meekis, 6, and Wilfred Meekis, 4, were identified by the band as the victims of the fatal fire, which broke out just after 11 p.m. on Thursday night in the remote northern community, located 225 kilometres northeast of Red Lake, Ont.
The victims were survived by their parents, Delaney and Cassandra Meekis, and three siblings, aged, 12, 10 and 10 months.
The home was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
According to the release, a lack of adequate water lines and infrastructure prevented the use of fire hydrants and only one water truck was operational to feed the fire truck. Firefighters also lacked masks and filled oxygen tanks to be able to put out the fire in time.
The fire is under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.
Donations to support the family with clothing and other necessities and expenses can be sent to [email protected].
