Fire Tragedy Claims Two Lives in Brampton

Two people lost their lives after a house fire in Brampton overnight, which also left four others, including a child, critically injured.

Brampton Fire and other emergency teams were alerted about a fire near Mc Laughlin Road and Remembrance Road at around 2:13 a. m. on Thursday, as confirmed by police and paramedics.

Emergency responders pronounced two adults dead at the scene, while several nearby homes were evacuated.

According to paramedics, three adults and one child were taken to the hospital in critical condition due to burns and smoke inhalation. Police mentioned that the child is believed to be between four and five years old in an update on Thursday.

Fire Chief Andy Glynn from Brampton Fire and Emergency Services stated that the deceased individuals were located “just outside” the building as well as “just inside,” during a news conference on Thursday morning.

The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal arrived on site Thursday morning and is collaborating with first responders to determine what caused the fire.

Peel Regional Police acting Sgt. Tyler Bell-Morena informed reporters that it appears a multi-generational family of nine lived in the building along with two other individuals.

Andy Glynn, fire chief with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, said the two buildings adjacent to the residence were also damaged in the fire, which will remain evacuated while work continues on dismantling the home. (Grant Linton/CBC)

Some family members still unaccounted for, police say

During a later news conference on Thursday morning, Bell-Morena reported that three members of the multi-generational family are still unaccounted for. One of those missing is thought to be a child, according to police.

He told reporters that authorities aren’t sure whether those missing were present at home when the fire broke out.

Chief Glynn indicated that fire crews would use an excavator to help take apart the structure in their search for them.

“If we aren’t able to locate them, it doesn’t mean they’re inside; it just means we can’t locate them at this time,” he said during his remarks at the news conference.

Glynn noted that when firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy flames and parts of the building starting to collapse.

“The amount of fire involvement in this structure was significant, which prevented our crews from fully accessing the entire building.”

The chief mentioned that both neighboring buildings sustained damage from the fire as well and will stay evacuated while demolition proceeds.

First responders are urging residents to avoid the area; police officers along with firefighters and paramedics will remain present as investigations continue. Glynn added that firefighting services would likely stay until Friday monitoring any potential fire risks.

Mayor criticizes absentee landlord

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown shared his condolences for those affected by this tragedy while addressing reporters during an afternoon news conference on Thursday.

“Words don’t really do justice to how sad this fire is,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the broader community at large as they navigate this challenging and devastating incident.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told reporters that developments are ongoing at what remains an active scene. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)







Brown described  the owner of the building as an “absentee landlord” who has been out of the country for some time now.

He revealed that while there had been plans submitted by the landlord for creating a second dwelling unit in the basement through a building permit application filed earlier; no follow-up request was made for inspection after it was issued. The city had issued several compliance orders since 2019 concerning these issues-ongoing even at the time of this incident.

“[This event] speaks to why the city has had such a rigorous  and aggressive clamp down on illegal units because it creates unfortunately preventable tragedies,” Brown explained further. “The city has taken proactive steps towards holding landlords accountable who do not adhere strictly enough within regulatory standards designed specifically around safety.”