A devastating fire engulfed a construction site in Oakville on Wednesday morning, resulting in the destruction of ten housing units, according to fire officials. The incident occurred at a subdivision under construction, prompting a swift response from fire crews, who arrived at the scene shortly before noon. Deputy Fire Chief Drew Boys described the fire as “wind-driven,” which posed significant challenges for containment efforts.
Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, Boys confirmed that construction workers were present when the blaze erupted. Fortunately, all workers managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries have been reported thus far. Oakville Fire promptly dispatched 11 units to combat the inferno, and their aggressive response ultimately succeeded in halting the fire’s progression.
One construction worker, Gregory Miller, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the flames consume the site. Miller expressed his shock and dismay over the loss of all their tools and equipment due to the fire. He clarified that no fireworks or other potentially hazardous activities were taking place at the time, making the incident even more bewildering.
Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault noted that the affected structures were in various stages of construction. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been informed and will likely conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks faced by construction sites and the importance of robust fire safety protocols. As authorities continue to investigate the origins of this destructive fire, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of construction workers and surrounding communities.