Firefighters battle massive blaze at Mississauga factory
by The Canadian Press
Large fireballs lit the pre-dawn sky at the scene of the blaze near Steeles Avenue and Airport Road.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—One firefighter is reportedly in critical condition after being injured in a massive fire in an industrial area of Mississauga, Ont.
Peel police Const. Thomas Ruttan says the warehouse is a storage facility for imported goods and that explosions were caused by butane lighters and aerosol cans of insect spray stored inside.
Ruttan had no specific details about the injuries to the firefighters but said the fire was being contained and crews were still working on putting out hot spots in the building.
He says there are no current concerns about toxicity in the smoke coming from the building but people in the area are advised to avoid breathing in smoke if possible.
Peel Paramedics say ”multiple patients” have been treated and four taken to hospital with injuries ranging from ”moderate to severe.”
Huge clouds of black smoke and numerous large fireballs lit the pre-dawn sky at the scene of the blaze near Steeles Avenue and Airport Road.
Witnesses report hearing small explosions and a series of loud popping sounds after the fire began before 5 a.m.
It was unclear, however, what was inside the factory and there was no indication if anyone was inside the facility when the blaze erupted.
The fire is just north of Pearson International Airport, but airport officials say flights have not been affected by the thick smoke.
GO transit in the area is being affected. Tracks have been closed east of Bramalea due to the smoke and some trains will remain on hold until permission is granted to proceed.
