Large fire destroys abandoned building in Milton, Ont.; residents of neighbouring building evacuated

MILTON — A large fire broke out in Milton, Ontario, on Sunday evening, November 8, after flames erupted inside an abandoned commercial building near the downtown core. The fire prompted a large response from firefighters and the precautionary evacuation of residents of a neighbouring residential building.

According to local reports published by INSAUGA and MiltonToday, flames and thick black smoke rose from a building that previously housed a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, along with a business linked to the RONA chain.

Authorities sent a large number of fire trucks to the scene and closed roads around the property to allow firefighting operations and to secure residents.

Later updates confirmed that the fire had been brought under control and that no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Flames break out near Milton GO station

The incident began shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, when emergency crews received a report of a fire at the building at 775 Main Street East, near the intersection with Wilson Drive.

The property is a short distance from Milton GO station, which serves public transit users in the area.

When firefighters arrived, the flames had spread to large parts of the building, and thick black smoke was seen rising from the rear.

Reports from the scene indicated that the intensity of the fire led crews to adopt a defensive strategy and fight the fire from the outside, as conditions inside the building had become extremely dangerous.

This approach is intended to limit the spread of flames and protect neighbouring structures, while avoiding exposing firefighters to the risk of collapse or intense heat.

Residents of neighbouring residential building evacuated

Milton Fire Department chief Peter Gatto said authorities decided to evacuate a nearby residential building because of the heavy smoke and potential hazards.

Residents affected by the precautionary measure were taken to Milton Transit buses, where they were able to stay away from the fire.

Authorities did not say how many people had to leave their apartments or when they would be allowed to return.

Reports also did not confirm any damage inside the neighbouring residential building, as emergency crews focused on preventing the fire from spreading to it.

Wide deployment of fire trucks

The seriousness of the incident meant that most of the available fire trucks in Milton were sent to the site, while crews from neighbouring Halton Hills provided support so that responses to other emergency calls could continue.

Gatto later confirmed that crews had put out the fire and that no injuries were recorded among residents or emergency personnel.

Local reports, meanwhile, expected the property to have suffered major damage given the intensity of the fire that swept through it.

However, authorities have not yet announced the financial value of the losses or the result of an engineering assessment of the building, and have not said whether it can be repaired.

Main road closed and traffic diverted

The fire led to the closure of Main Street around the site, particularly the stretch between Thompson Road and Wilson Drive.

Authorities asked drivers to avoid the area and not to approach fire trucks or equipment being used to bring the fire under control.

Initial reports also did not confirm that any train service at the nearby Milton GO station had been cancelled.

The available updates did not give a final time for reopening all affected roads, so drivers should check local traffic alerts before travelling through the area.

What caused the fire?

Halton Regional Police Service confirmed that the fire took place inside an abandoned building but did not offer an explanation for how it started.

Authorities did not say whether there were any criminal suspicions or whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The subsequent assessment is expected to focus on determining where the fire started and the damage to the building, once the safety of the site has been confirmed.

The incident highlights the risks that can accompany large fires in unused buildings, especially when they are close to residential areas and major roads.

As of the latest information published Monday morning, the fire was confirmed to be out and no injuries had been reported, while the cause of the incident and the final extent of the losses remained undetermined.