Five individuals are hospitalized following a house fire in Richmond Hill early Monday morning. The fire erupted around 3 a.m. in a residence located near Skywood Drive and Rollinghill Road, according to York paramedics.

Emergency responders treated five victims at the scene. Four of these individuals were initially found without vital signs. However, police later reported that all five are now in critical condition at a local hospital. Health officials have not disclosed further details about their status due to patient privacy regulations.

As firefighters battled the blaze, nearby residents were evacuated for safety. Authorities also closed off roads in the vicinity to facilitate emergency operations.

The Office of the Fire Marshal arrived at the scene later in the day to investigate the cause of the fire. Police have stated that the area will remain cordoned off until the investigation is complete.