UPDATE: OPP, Fire Marshall investigating fatal fire in Stone Mills

Update (Monday, Feb. 22, 2021):

OPP say the investigation into the fire that claimed a life in Stone Mills township is continuing, according to an update released Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.

The body of 62 year-old Howard Arnold Amey, an occupant of the property, was found amongst the debris, according to the update.

OPP say the family of the deceased is requesting that media please respect their privacy as they struggle through this time of grief.

The structure destroyed by fire was a garage on the property. The OFM scene investigation has concluded, but OPP say no cause or damage estimate is available at the current time.

Original Article:

The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is assisting the Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) with the investigation into a fatal fire in the Township of Stone Mills earlier this afternoon.

Shortly after 2:00 p.m. emergency crews were called to a residence on Bethel Road in the Township of Stone Mills after a passerby noticed a structure on the property was ablaze and dialed 911. The structure was severely damaged and fire crews located a body, believed to be one of the residents of the property, in the debris.

The area has been secured and the investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway by OFM and OPP investigators. Bethel Road remains open to local traffic, however police are asking people to remain away from the area as a number of emergency vehicles remain on scene at this time and the roadway is partly obstructed as a result.

The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed at this time and OPP say no further information will be available until at least Monday.