Investigation concludes child set fire that killed 5 on Oneida reserve

One of the children who died in a house fire along with four family members on the Oneida First Nation was playing with matches or a lighter before the house went up in flames.

• Father and 4 children die in house fire on Oneida reserve near London, Ont.

• Oneida Chief wants children's aid worker fired for intervening in fatal fire investigation

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. David Rektor. "It got out of hand and the end result was the tragic loss of five people."

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

The children'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 investigation who 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 community — a 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 OPP offered its sincerest condolences to the Oneida First Nation calling it a horrific loss. Police added they hope all 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.