A man is dead and a local landmark heavily damaged after a fire in Kenora.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is now looking into the circumstances surrounding the police response to a blaze at Anicinabe Park.
The involvement comes after reports of gunshots at the park, which was also the site of a fire on Tuesday.
Fire chief Dave Pratt says by the time crews arrived (around noon) the roof of the office building had already collapsed.
According to CBC, later in the day a police officer shot and killed a man at the scene.
“During the course of the investigation a person suffered injuries and was taken to hospital. The OPP has notified the province’s SIU, which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide any further information.” – SIU
The unit is tasked with looking into serious incidents involving police including:
- The death of a person.
- The serious injury of a person.
- The discharge of a firearm at a person.
- The sexual assault of a person, as reported by the person.
The fire is believed to be a case of arson and is still being investigated.
In a Facebook post from the park, it states all staff are fine and the campground is not impacted.
The City of Kenora states the main entrance to the park will be closed off to traffic for the time being, the secondary exit has been opened to allow park visitors to get in and out.
(Photo provided by David Longe)