OPP investigating suspicious fire at Harrow, Ont., home

WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced​ family violence or suicide or know someone affected by it. 

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a suspicious fire that heavily damaged a home near Harrow, Ont.

Sherry Bondy, mayor of the Town of Essex, said she was alerted about the fire around 10 p.m. on Monday by a family member who was driving in the area.

After calling 911, Bondy said she went to see how big the fire was.

"By the time we got there ... I'm five minutes away, the house was already basically engulfed in flames," Bondy told CBC Windsor on Wednesday.

"There's really nothing left of the house — just maybe the foundation."

The house was sold earlier this year to a new owner, but the property is the former home of the Walsh family. Carly Walsh, and her children, Madison and Hunter, were found deceased in June 2024. 

They were killed in what police describe as a case of intimate partner violence. The children's father also died by suicide, according to police.

Fire is 'like opening a wound:' mayor

Bondy said the fire "was kind of like opening a wound."

"It's certainly devastating," she said. "Nobody likes to see anything burn, and even though there is some tragic history with this house, it's still upsetting."

OPP says fire deemed 'suspicious'

Meanwhile, Essex County OPP says they are investigating a fire in the area, which they described as "suspicious."

In a news release on Tuesday, the OPP said its officers and the Essex County Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a property on County Road 13 in Essex County at 10:20 p.m. on Monday.

Members of the Essex County Crime Unit and the OPP Forensic Identification Services also attended the scene to assist with the investigation as fire officials deemed the fire to be suspicious, the release reads.

The OPP says anyone with information or video surveillance that could assist with the investigation should call 1-888-310-1122.

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you're affected by family or intimate partner violence, you can look for help through crisis lines and local support services. If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help: ​​Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988 or the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.