Tragedy in Fournier last week has left residents grieving and in shock. A house fire on County Road 15 in Fournier claimed the life of three-year-old Damien Desjardins-Séguin last Thursday. Caregiver Alexandra Goyer was trying to get the two boys out of the house when Damien let go of her hand and went back inside the burning house. Attempts to rescue Damien were unsuccessful. Investigators have confirmed that the body of the boy was found in an upstairs bedroom inside the house. The family dog, Jada, was also found lying near the toddler.
Goyer and Miguel, the three-year-old twin brother of the victim, were taken to the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital and were both later released.
The fire occurred at about 11:19 a.m. on Thursday and about 30 fire fighters were on the scene. Three of The Nation Municipality’s fire departments responded. Fire fighters from the Fournier, St-Isidore and St-Bernardin fire departments received additional support from the Vankleek Hill volunteer fire department.
Christian Séguin, the father of the children was at work and an older child was in school at the time of the fire.
A post-mortem conducted Friday at the Ottawa General Hospital revealed that smoke inhalation was the cause of death. On Monday, the Hawkesbury OPP issued a statement that the Ontario Fire Marshal has determined that the cause of the fire is not of a criminal nature; but the exact cause has not yet been determined. Investigator Stéphane Dubuc, of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, is still investigating the scene of fire with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Services of the OPP and the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is being assisted by the Ontario Provincial Police as the investigation continues.
The Nation Sector Fire Chief Pascal Laviolette said that local fire fighters met the evening of the fire and said that many were affected by the day’s events.
“We will let some time go by and see what is needed further down the road,” Laviolette said, referring to possible feelings of grief and stress that fire fighters may feel after a tragedy like this.
Laviolette said the fire was hard to extinguish due to the age of the building but said it was not a major structure fire.
County Road 15 was temporarily closed between County Road 10 and Du Parc street. Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the Hawkesbury OPP at 613-632-2729.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: The St-Isidore Catholic School in St-Isidore is accepting monetary donations, food, clothing size 3 boys and size 5 boys, toys etc. School staff will make sure the family receives all monies and items. If you live in the Vankleek Hill area, please feel free to drop off items or donations at The Review offices at 76 Main Street in Vankleek Hill. The Review will see that all donations are delivered to St-Isidore Catholic School.
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