A Christmas Eve tragedy in Innisfil has grieving families looking for answers.
Around 6 a.m. Wednesday fire destroyed the Innisvale Crematorium, causing $2 million in damage.
"The inside is fully consumed and the roof came in causing lots of damage," said Innisfil Fire Chief John Pegg. “It’s a total loss inside."
The crematorium is located on 5th Sideroad just north of Georgian Downs.
Additional crews from Essa Township were called in to help battle the flames. Tanker shuttles were set up to run water from Georgian Downs.
The remains of approximately 15 people were inside the crematorium, but fire officials are still trying to confirm that number.
"Our number one priority quickly became to protect the previously deceased individuals inside, to maintain their dignity with respect to their families," said Pegg.
As fire crews spent the day putting out hot spots, family members rushed to the scene hoping to find out anything at all.
A spokesperson with the Innisvale Cemetery and Crematorium told CTV News caskets waiting for cremation were minimally affected and families will be contacted in the near future to make arrangements for cremation at another facility.
Hearses from local funeral homes were seen coming to and from the scene all day.
At this point, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“The Town of Innisfil extends its sympathies to those families impacted by this fire,” says Gord Wauchope, Mayor of Innisfil. “We hope they can take comfort in the fact that our firefighters approached this scene with extra care and compassion. We offer you our deepest condolences at this challenging time.”
The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation.
