Apartment building at 50 Merritt Ave. in Chatham. October 25, 2020. (Photo by Natalia Vega).Apartment building at 50 Merritt Ave. in Chatham. October 25, 2020. (Photo by Natalia Vega).
Chatham

Fire officials reassure residents following fatal fire

Residents living in an apartment building where a 40-year-old woman died in a fire one week ago got another visit from firefighters.

This time, fire officials wanted to reassure residents and help them prepare should there be another blaze. The visit was educational, teaching residents at 50 Merritt Avenue about fire safety, evacuation, and shelter-in-place procedures.

"The loss of a life in such terrible circumstances was a difficult call for the crews that attended the fire on Saturday and the whole department who naturally reflect upon a tragic loss of life," said Fire Chief Chris Case.

On Tuesday, investigators confirmed the death of Daphne Wilkins. She was home alone when the fire broke out in her unit. The death is not considered suspicious, and the cause of the fire was ruled accidental.

The unit did have a working smoke alarm.

Anyone who has a question about fire safety is encouraged to book a CHIRP Home Alarm Check by calling 519-360-1998 or emailing ckfire@chatham-kent-.ca.

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