A Winnipeg man whose house was destroyed by fire earlier in March is now facing fraud charges.

Dean Haasbeek, 35, faces charges for fraud over $5,000, said police.

Between September 2009 and February of this year, a number of large retail outlets were defrauded of about $20,000 in tools and hardware, said officers.

Police said the fraud investigation is ongoing.

"Unfortunately we believe that the $20,000 is just the tip of the iceberg. There (have) been several retailers who have come forward," said Const. Jeff Norman, spokesperson for Winnipeg police.

During the house fire on March 6, Haasbeek was injured helping his six children escape the blaze.

Haasbeek's family didn't have insurance, prompting an outpouring of support and donations. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.