Hazel McCallion Central Library briefly closed after fiery blaze
Newly renovated library in central Mississauga experiences water and smoke damage after overnight fire breaks out.
On Wednesday, August 14, Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion Central Library experienced damages after an overnight fire broke out which started outside the front doors to the library, according to a Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) spokesperson.
Around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, MFES and Peel Regional Police officers were notified of the fire, which occurred at 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W. According to an MFES spokesperson, the fire caused the glass of the front door to the library to break, leading it to spread to the lobby. The fire initiated the library’s sprinkler system, which prevented the fire from spreading and creating more damage. There was still smoke and water damage to the building.
According to Peel Regional Paramedic Services, one person experienced minor injuries from the fire and was treated at the scene.
The library closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday with all public services available, a day after the fire. The Noel Ryan Auditorium, a performance space with 240 seats in the library, will stay closed while restoration efforts remain ongoing.
Officials suspected the fire might have started from a couch outside the building. However, a statement made by the city confirmed the cause of the fire is still being investigated, “Upon further investigation, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services can now confirm that there was no couch involved in the fire.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation after police confirmed it’s unclear whether the fire was an act of arson.
