The McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral Home in downtown Oshawa was destroyed by an early-morning fire on Monday, September 7. No injuries were reported, and Durham Regional Police say the fire is being treated as suspicious.
Oshawa Fire Services was called shortly before 4 a.m. after paramedics noticed smoke in the area. Crews traced it to the funeral home at 152 King Street East, near the courthouse. Oshawa platoon chief Jim Lee told Rogers TV that there was already an active fire when firefighters arrived and described the building as a total loss.
Before and after the fire
Police investigation and business response
Durham Regional Police told CBC that the fire has been deemed suspicious. The investigation is continuing, and no further conclusion about the cause had been announced as of Monday afternoon.
The funeral home posted an urgent notice saying the situation was under control and that steps were being taken to secure the property. It said staff at Mount Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery were helping respond to questions and concerns from families.
Roads in the immediate area were closed for several hours during the emergency response and later reopened, according to Durham Radio News.
A long-standing Oshawa funeral business
The funeral business traces its roots to 1853. Oshawa Museum records say the Drew House at 152 King Street East was purchased for the funeral home in 1944, and an adjoining house was later connected as the business grew.
Anyone directly affected by scheduled arrangements should consult the funeral home’s official website for its latest notice and contact information.
Updated September 7, 2026, to add the police investigation status, the funeral home’s statement, and before-and-after images.
Sources: CityNews; CBC report via Yahoo News; Durham Radio News; Oshawa Museum; McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral Home.
