Peel Regional Police say the remains of one adult have been discovered in the charred ruins of a Brampton home where a devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning. Two other occupants—including a toddler—are still unaccounted for as crews continue a painstaking search through the collapsed structure.
Const. Tyler Bell said Friday afternoon that demolition and search operations at the residence on Banas Way were halted temporarily to allow the coroner to attend the scene. Authorities emphasized that no further updates will be provided until the full search is complete.
The fatal two-alarm fire has already claimed two lives. Two victims—one inside the home and another outside—were located on Thursday. Four other individuals who jumped from a second-floor window to escape the flames were rushed to hospital in critical condition. Three, including a five-year-old boy, are now in serious but stable condition; a fourth victim remains in life-threatening condition. Police said one injured man has returned to critical condition “which is not uncommon with fire-related injuries.”
Investigators say 11 people lived in the house: nine members of a multigenerational family and two basement tenants. The basement occupants escaped unharmed. Several neighbouring homes were damaged but all occupants evacuated safely.
Deputy Fire Marshal Carrie Clark said investigators are proceeding “slowly and methodically” to dismantle portions of the structure to safely search for evidence and missing occupants without disturbing key elements of the investigation. Between six and 16 nearby residents have been temporarily evacuated.
Police have not yet determined whether the fire is suspicious.
Concerns over overcrowding and property compliance
The tragedy has shaken the neighbourhood, with residents expressing grief and raising concerns about overcrowded homes and lax enforcement. One neighbour told CP24 she often saw the family playing in the nearby park, but emphasized that “too many homes here have multiple renters” and urged stricter bylaw compliance.
Mayor Patrick Brown said the home’s owner—currently abroad—was an “absentee landlord.” A building permit for a legal basement unit was issued in 2019, but inspections were never completed, resulting in an order to comply. The home was not licensed for multiple tenants, the mayor confirmed.
Brown said repeated attempts by the city to gain access for inspection were refused, adding, “This is going to be investigated, but it gives me great concern that this may be one of those circumstances that could have been avoided.”
Investigation ongoing
Peel Regional Police remain at the scene to assist the Office of the Fire Marshal. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the search for two missing occupants is continuing.