A tragic house fire in east London, Ont., has claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman, identified by neighbours as Teresa. She was rescued from her Avalon Street home on April 17 but later died in hospital after being removed from life support late Saturday evening.

London Police Service (LPS) Insp. Doug Brown confirmed that officers are continuing to secure the property alongside investigators from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) office. “At this point, we still haven’t determined the cause of the fire,” Brown said.

The investigation remains ongoing and involves the LPS Major Crimes Section, Street Crime Unit, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the OFM.

The blaze broke out mid-afternoon on the quiet residential street near Clarke Road. London Fire Department crews responded to the scene, where they were met with thick smoke and heavy flames.

“Our crews arrived to find one individual on the front lawn,” said Platoon Chief Colin Shewell. “First aid was administered until Middlesex-London paramedics arrived.”

Neighbours shared that Teresa lived in the home with her husband and son. She was known for her compassion — often allowing unhoused individuals to stay in tents or makeshift shelters in her backyard.

One of the backyard residents, who chose to remain anonymous, said he was among four people living there and helped pull Teresa from the burning home. He described the severity of her injuries, noting she had suffered serious burns.

The aftermath of the fire left the front yard littered with debris. Fire inspectors were seen removing various charred items, including e-bikes and scooters.

Authorities continue to investigate as the community mourns the loss of a woman remembered for her generosity and kindness.