Updated August 13, 2025 @ 4:23pm
Fencing was erected Tuesday at the scene where a house exploded on Marshall Street in Barrie Saturday morning as the Office of the Fire Marshal's (OFM) investigation has wrapped.
However, the question of how the house blew up and was set ablaze is still unanswered, even after heavy machinery was brought in earlier in the week to assist in the search.
Barrie Police and Barrie Fire also say their portions of the investigation are finished, with the fire department adding the investigation is now in the hands of insurance company representatives.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening for the family impacted at the corner of Marshall and Libra Road.
As of Wednesday afternoon, over $35,000 of a $40,000 goal had been raised for the family with an online fundraiser. There has also been donations of clothing and other personal items.
Police confirmed Monday that the owner of the home, who was critically hurt in the blast, had succumbed to his injuries. He left a wife and multiple children.
Homes on either side of the residence also sustained damage from the sudden blast that occurred just after 11:30 a.m.
The OFM is yet to reply with comment on the investigation.
People in the neighbourhood of the explosion posted to social media that the blast rocked their homes, with one person saying they thought it was their kids moving furniture.
A video posted to Facebook shows a woman sitting on a chair on a deck when the explosion takes place.
—with files from Ian MacLennan and Dan Blakeley
