Explosion believed to be cause of Brampton house fire

An explosion may be the reason behind a fire that severely damaged a Brampton home early Tuesday.

Neighbours reported hearing a large “bang” around 3 a.m. and video surveillance cameras from nearby homes show what seems to be an explosion at the residence on Wainwright Drive, near McLaughlin Road.

No injuries have been reported and fire officials believe the house was unoccupied at the time.

Those who live in the area say flames were shooting out of the house and smoke filled the neighbourhood.

“With all the flames that were coming from the house I can’t believe it didn’t spread to the other homes,” said a man who lives on the street. “The firefighters did a very good job to control it. They battled it for a long time.”

Officials say the fire started in the garage, but quickly spread throughout the rest of the house as extra crews were called in to contain the blaze. They say the explosion may have ignited the fire.

Initial reports indicate adjacent homes were not damaged.

Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to put out spot fires.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has been asked to investigate.

Traffic was closed off in the area for several hours.