Large fire in Brampton garage spreads to house; fireworks debris found

BRAMPTON — A large fire broke out Sunday evening, Nov. 8, in Brampton, Ont., after flames started inside the garage of a residential home and spread to parts of the building. Firefighters responded urgently, and the residents of a neighbouring home were evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters found fireworks debris inside the garage, which is suspected of possibly having contributed to the fire.

Authorities stressed, however, that the final cause has not yet been determined and that the investigation into the circumstances that led to the fire is continuing. No injuries were reported.

Details of the fire in the Bramalea area

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services said its crews received a report of the fire at about 9:20 p.m. Sunday.

The fire occurred at a residential property near Bramalea Road and Father Tobin Road.

When firefighters arrived, flames were burning intensely inside the garage before spreading to the attached house.

The severity of the fire required a rapid response to keep it from spreading to neighbouring buildings, particularly because the site is in a residential area.

Authorities did not disclose the extent of the damage inside the home or the estimated value of the losses. They also did not say whether the property would need extensive repairs before it could be used again.

Precautionary evacuation, no injuries

Emergency crews decided to evacuate a neighbouring home as a precaution because of the intensity of the flames and the possibility that the fire could spread to nearby buildings.

The fire department said that firefighters did not find anyone inside the home where the fire started when they arrived.

It confirmed that no injuries were reported, either among residents or among emergency response personnel.

In an update issued Monday morning, the department said the fire was under control, with crews remaining at the scene to monitor the area and make sure the flames did not reignite.

The published information did not include details on how many people were evacuated or when they were allowed to return to the neighbouring home.

Fireworks debris found in the garage

Fire officials said that while dealing with the incident, crews found materials and debris linked to fireworks inside the garage.

Authorities are investigating whether these materials contributed to the fire, but stressed that their presence alone does not prove they were the direct cause.

The report did not say whether fireworks had been used shortly before the incident, or how their debris ended up in the garage.

No charges or arrests in connection with the fire have been announced.

The fire department is asking anyone with information that could help establish the circumstances to contact it.

Brampton bans fireworks at home

The incident comes amid Diwali celebrations, which took place in the city on Sunday, Nov. 8, and included an official fireworks display.

Authorities did not confirm any link between the celebrations and the fire, and it should not be assumed that the debris in the garage is connected to that event.

The City of Brampton prohibits the use, sale, purchase, possession and distribution of fireworks without a permit, with exceptions for city-organized displays and authorized activities.

Some fines start at $500 and can reach $100,000 in cases referred to court.

The city allows small sparklers to be used under its rules, while encouraging residents to attend official displays rather than set off fireworks on their own.

Warnings about home fire risks

The City of Brampton notes that fireworks can ignite surfaces, wood, grass and other combustible materials, even when some remnants appear to be inactive.

The fire department advises residents to keep flammable materials away from sources of heat and to make sure smoke alarms are working on every level of the home.

It also stresses the importance of preparing a home escape plan, keeping emergency exits clear and calling 911 if a fire breaks out.

As of the latest update published Monday morning, the fire was under control with no injuries reported, while the final cause remains subject to the results of the investigation.