The search for three people unaccounted for after last week’s devastating house fire in Brampton has concluded, with Peel Regional Police confirming that two of the individuals were found deceased in the rubble and the third has been located safe. Emergency crews continued to clear debris at the scene on Monday as investigators from Peel police and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the blaze, which destroyed the home and forced evacuations of surrounding properties.
Police previously reported finding the remains of one adult on Friday. On Monday, Const. Tyler Bell said a second set of remains was recovered over the weekend. The third person, who was initially believed to be missing, was confirmed safe after investigators determined he had been away for work during the fire and was delayed returning home. He has since reunited with family at the hospital.
Bell said that four people, including three women and a toddler, died at the scene. Another individual, who was pregnant, underwent emergency surgery following the fire, but the newborn child did not survive. Four other occupants who escaped the blaze after jumping from a second-storey window have now stabilized in hospital, though some remain in critical condition. A five-year-old boy is reportedly recovering well.
Investigators have not identified any indication of criminal activity in connection with the fire, and the cause has not yet been determined. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown previously stated that the property was owned by an absentee landlord with prior compliance issues related to the basement unit, but police did not provide further details on the home’s occupancy and said the priority remains supporting victims and witnesses.
Little of the structure remains, with heavy machinery being used to lift debris and safely access all areas of the destroyed home. Police tape continues to block off nearby streets, and neighbourhood residents are expressing sadness and shock at the tragedy. Fire Marshal Jon Pegg confirmed that smoke detectors were present in the residence and said investigators will determine whether they were functioning at the time of the fire. Pegg urged all Ontarians to test smoke alarms regularly and ensure that home fire escape plans are practiced, noting the scale of devastation seen in this incident.