Fire crews are continuing to investigate a house fire in Markham that has left a nine-year-old boy in critical condition. The incident occurred at a residence on Spragg Circle, located near Ninth Line and 16th Avenue. Emergency services received the call shortly after 12 p.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the boy trapped inside the home and immediately transported him to a local trauma center, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. As of Saturday, there was no update available regarding his condition.
At the time of the fire, three other individuals in the house managed to escape unharmed. This has raised concerns among the community as they express their support for the affected family. Neighbors noted that the family had recently moved into the area and were seen participating in community activities, which has made the situation even more heartbreaking for the local residents. “They were relatively new, so we do see them out there playing and everything. We definitely feel for them; we’re just absolutely devastated,” shared one neighbor. Another added, “I hope the boy is going to be okay; forget the house, only the boy.”
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is currently investigating the cause of the fire. On Saturday, officials were focused on the garage area of the home. While the OFM has not disclosed specific details regarding the cause of the fire, they have indicated that they do not suspect foul play. Jim Demetriou, a spokesperson for the OFM, stated, “We are at the investigation stages to find the origin, cause, and circumstances around this incident. It’s a stagnant approach, so we will be looking at all the evidence that they have, whether it’s lifting debris, looking at the various debris, and seeing where the origin started.” This thorough investigation aims to gather all necessary evidence to establish precisely how the fire began.
In light of this tragic event, fire officials have taken the opportunity to remind homeowners of the importance of having an exit plan in place for emergencies, as well as ensuring that working smoke detectors are installed throughout their homes. These precautions can potentially save lives in similar situations in the future.
