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Belleville House Fire Kills One, Injures Another

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. eville-house-fire-kills-one-injures-another.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 13:06 GMT by Global News
      Locale: Ontario, CANADA

Belleville, ON - February 21st, 2026 - A tragic house fire on Sidney Street in Belleville Friday evening resulted in the death of one woman and left another individual injured. Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 6:45 p.m., battling the intense blaze for several hours before it was finally contained.

Belleville Police confirmed the fatality and the transportation of one injured person to a local hospital. As of this Saturday morning, the condition of the injured individual remains undisclosed. The incident has shaken the quiet residential neighborhood, with residents expressing shock and sadness at the devastating loss.

Firefighters encountered significant challenges in extinguishing the fire, which quickly engulfed the single-family home. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the windows and flames leaping from the roof. The swift response of the Belleville Fire Department prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent properties, but unfortunately, could not save the life of the woman inside.

"Our crews worked tirelessly to suppress the fire and search the premises," stated Fire Chief Mark Callahan in a brief statement to local media. "It was a difficult and emotionally draining scene for everyone involved. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim."

The Belleville Police Service has taken the lead on the investigation, collaborating with the Ontario Fire Marshal's office to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Fire Marshal investigators arrived on scene early Saturday morning, initiating a thorough examination of the debris and surrounding area. The investigation will focus on identifying any potential ignition sources, assessing the fire safety features of the home, and ruling out any foul play.

The Sidney Street residence remains closed indefinitely as investigators continue their work. Police have established a perimeter around the property and are asking members of the public to avoid the area. They have also issued a request for anyone with information relating to the fire, or who may have witnessed anything unusual prior to the incident, to come forward.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of fire safety awareness and prevention. According to recent statistics from the Ontario Fire Safety Association, house fires remain a leading cause of accidental death and injury in the province. Common causes include unattended cooking, faulty electrical wiring, improperly discarded smoking materials, and heating equipment malfunctions.

Experts recommend that all households have working smoke detectors installed on every level, particularly near bedrooms. Regular testing of smoke detectors is also crucial, and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan, ensuring that everyone knows how to safely evacuate their home in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, ensuring electrical systems are up to code, and appliances are properly maintained can greatly reduce fire risk.

Community support is already mobilizing for the family affected by this devastating loss. A local fundraising campaign has been initiated to help cover funeral expenses and provide assistance to those displaced by the fire. Details about the campaign can be found on the Belleville Community Support Network website. The city is also offering grief counseling services to residents affected by the tragedy. Contact information for these services can be obtained through the Belleville City Hall.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The Belleville Police Service urges anyone with information to contact them at 613-968-3300 or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.