House Fire/Explosion on Maple Grove Road

UPDATE (February 7, 2019)

As of noon on February 7, 2019, all the properties affected by Sunday’s house explosion on Maple Grove Road in Caledon Village have been released to their owners.

Many of those homes have been reoccupied but a few have been fenced and/or secured, and will require further inspection and remediation before owners can move back in.

Meanwhile, Town crews and contractors are working to clear debris and ensure local roads are safe for traffic. Caledon OPP will continue to ensure the safety of all residents and properties in the area.

“First of all, our condolences to the family and friends who lost a loved one last Sunday,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “But the way this community - first responders, Town staff, the Region of Peel and our partner agencies - pulled together to help one another was – and is – truly overwhelming. The Town will continue to be there for those impacted by this tragedy.”

UPDATE (February 6, 2019) -- As of 4:00 p.m. today, the Office of the Fire Marshal has concluded its investigation into the explosion on Maple Grove Road. 

Any media inquiries related to the investigation are to be directed to Tony Pacheco, Assistant Deputy Fire Marshal/Executive Officer, tony.pacheco@ontario.ca or 647-329-1203. 

Upon closing of the investigation, the final four properties, in addition to the explosion site property, were released to the Town of Caledon. 

The process for these properties is similar to other area properties damaged by the explosion.  Based on inspections by Town Building Inspectors, orders have been issued that these homes are currently unsafe to occupy.  

Beginning today, these homeowners, along with their insurance agencies, will be granted access so that adjusters, engineers and/or other experts can assess any damage.   

Once the homeowner is able to present the Town with an assessment of the property and a remediation plan (if necessary) the unsafe order will be lifted, and the owner will have full access to their home.  

Given the damage sustained to these properties, this process is likely to take months to complete.  For security and public safety purposes, these properties will be fenced until the unsafe orders are lifted.   

Where needed, The Town of Caledon, with support from the Region of Peel, continues to provide supports to those families affected and displaced.

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UPDATE (February 5, 2019)

As of 11:30 a.m. today, the Office of the Fire Marshal was continuing its investigation into the explosion on Maple Grove Road.

Last night (February 4, 2019), a meeting was held where impacted homeowners were provided with an update on the status of the homes affected by the explosion.

Of those homes, seven were released back to homeowners.

An additional four properties were released to the Town. Based on inspections by Town Building Inspectors, orders have been issued that these homes are currently unsafe to occupy. Beginning today, these homeowners, along with their insurance agencies, will be granted access so that adjusters, engineers and/or other experts can assess any damage. Once the homeowner is able to present the Town with an assessment of the property and a remediation plan (if necessary) the unsafe order will be lifted, and the owner will have full access to their home.

Four other properties still remain under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal. These four properties experienced significant damage from the explosion. It is anticipated that it will be some time before these properties will be available for occupancy.

The Town of Caledon, with support from the Region of Peel, continues to provide services to those families affected and displaced. This includes preventative measures against damage from flooding and freezing conditions.

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UPDATE (February 4, 2019)

As of 4:30 pm today, the Ontario Fire Marshal is still undergoing their investigation.

OPP remains on site to provide security in the area. Drone operators are advised that drones are not permitted within 2500ft of an active investigation.

The Town of Caledon, with cooperation from the Region of Peel, continues to provide support services to those families affected and displaced.

Below is a list of contacts for those with inquiries:

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UPDATE (February 3, 2019)

On the morning of Sunday, February 3, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services (CFES) responded to a reported house fire on Maple Grove Road (Charleston Sideroad) in the Caledon Village Fire District. Upon arrival crews found a single detached house that had exploded. The house was on the ground with several other houses in the area damaged. Upon search of the property and surrounding area, one patient was located at the scene and pronounced dead by Peel Paramedics. 

CFES conducted an evacuation of the immediate area where approximately 30-35 residents were relocated within the community.  Town of Caledon building officials conducted inspections of nearby residences for structural damage. The Office of the Fire Marshal is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion, which is expected to continue into tomorrow.  Access to the evacuation site continues to be closed with access to Maple Grove Road limited. 

“On behalf of Council and the residents of Caledon, especially those in Caledon Village, I would like to offer my condolences to the family of the deceased and to express my sincere appreciation to Caledon Fire, the OPP and Peel Paramedics, as well as our neighbouring emergency service providers who provided their assistance today,” said Allan Thompson, Mayor of Caledon. “It is in times like these where the true strength of a community is tested and I am proud of the manner in which our Town, our Region and our residents came together to help those in need.” 

Below is a list of contacts for those with inquiries or in need of support: 

If necessary, additional information regarding this incident will be released by noon on February 4, 2019. 

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UPDATE (February 3, 2019 -- 2:30 p.m.)

On the morning of Sunday, February 3, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services (CFES) responded a reported house fire on Maple Grove Road (Charleston Sideroad) in the Caledon Village Fire District.

Upon arrival crews found a single detached house that had exploded. The house is on the ground with several other houses in the area damaged. Currently, one patient has been located at the scene and pronounced dead by Peel Emergency Management Services (EMS).

Fire crews have evacuated the immediate area and are inspecting for structural damage. OPP and additional Town of Caledon supports are also on scene. Regional Emergency Management has been notified to help provide additional Region of Peel Human Services supports where necessary.

Further details have been reported by Global News: Watch the video coverage

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Media Contact:
Strategic Initiatives | Communications
905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca