Investigation concludes child set fire that killed 5 on Oneida reserve

One of the childrenwho died in a house fire along withfourfamily members on the OneidaFirst Nation was playing with matches or a lighter before the house went up in flames.

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After an almost six-month investigation, the OPP and other forensic agencies have concluded the fire was set by one of the children.

"I can tell you that the child was using an incendiary device," said OPP Sgt. DavidRektor."It got out of hand and the end result was the tragic loss of fivepeople."

Four sibling boys between the ages of threemonths and 7 years old died alongside their father, 43-year-old Kurt Antone,in the mid-morning blaze.

Thechildren's mother and the couple's three oldest children were not home at the time of the fire.

"There's not one person involved in this investigationwho has not been profoundly touched," said Rektor. "It is a loss to the Oneida community and to all of us."

Community still grieving

The Oneida Nation of the Thames communitya reserve of about 2,000 people a half-hour drive west of London, Ont. rallied to raised money, clothing and food to support the family.

In recent interviews, Chief Randall Phillips said the community is still grieving the tragedy and is not ready to talk publicly about it.

The OPPoffered its sincerest condolences to the Oneida First Nation calling it a horrific loss. Police added they hopeall parents will talk to their children about the inherent dangers of fire.

"We have a responsibility to sit down with our kids and explain the consequences," Rektor said.