Fire investigators are facing heaps of twisted and charred metal and pools of contaminated water, as they try to figure out the cause of an inferno that destroyed a Mississauga warehouse.
More than 24 hours after they were called to the Thamesgate Drive facility occupied by G.E. Forwarders, fire crews remained at the scene Thursday to put out hot spots within the rubble.
Four male firefighters were injured while attacking the blaze early Wednesday morning – three when an explosion and partial building collapse occurred as they entered the burning warehouse and a fourth who suffered smoke inhalation.
The three who were hurt in the explosion remain in hospital, where they are being treated for broken bones or internal injuries.
All three are improving slightly after suffering "very serious injuries," including one who was listed in critical condition immediately after the blast, and they face a long road to recovery, said Mississauga Fire Chief John McDougall during a news conference at the scene.
Two have undergone surgery.
The trio injured in the blast has been identified as Capt. Brad Hamilton, 38, acting Capt. Al Mills, 47, and Tim Casarin, 46. Daryl Roy, the 35-year-old firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation, was released from hospital Wednesday.
When the fire broke out, the industrial building was packed with products, including butane lighters and thousands of canisters of bug spray that fuelled the flames. Investigators are still trying to identify all of the contents.
At the height of the fire, the bug spray canisters exploded and were hurled all over the property.
The facility was used to store imported goods and it was occupied by G.E. Forwarders since last July, although firefighters had no idea what they were facing when they arrived on scene.
The company did not have an occupancy permit and there were no fire or hazardous materials plans, CP24's Cam Woolley reported.
Firefighters thought they were entering a vacant building because there was no permit and it was empty the last time it was inspected by city and fire officials, Woolley said.
McDougall said his crews thought it was a normal warehouse and they would have responded differently had they been aware it contained explosive materials.
While firefighters continue to look out for hot spots and the Office of the Fire Marshal leads the investigation into the cause, a private company is using specialized equipment to remove the pools of contaminated water. Heavy machinery is being used to move the piles of twisted metal.
In addition to the OFM and Mississauga Fire, Peel Regional Police and the Ministry of Labour are involved in various stages of the investigation.
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