Brampton community in mourning

(Updated)

A Brampton community is still in shock one day after a fire killed a 10-year old boy and gutted 18 units in a housing complex. The cause of the blaze is now under investigation. But residents aren’t concerned about how the fire started — they want to know why 10-year old Nicolas didn’t get out in time.

Lisa Garrod is Nicolas Gabriel’s Grandmother: “Breath out. The family needs to be in peace.”

Nicolas Gabriel’s family is in disbelief.

Darlene Smith is Nicolas Gabriel’s Aunt: “We’re doing the best we can.”

They’re clinging to each other for support as they grieve the death of a 10-year old boy who loved playing video games and riding his scooter.

He was sleeping over at a friend’s home in the Ardglen housing complex when the apartment went up in flames.

Everyone else in the unit made it out safely, leaving neighbours to wonder how Nicolas was left behind.

Kathy Atwell is a neighbour: “You would think there’s an extra kid in there you’re gonna want to run in for this child, no matter how drunk you are, how disoriented you are. You’re gonna wanna make sure this child is safe.”

Tragedy isn’t new to this neighbourhood. Last winter, 9-year old Kesean Williams died when a bullet went through his window, just doors down from where Nicolas was killed.

Tanya Garvey is Kesean William’s Mother: “There’s another angel playing with Kesean right now. Nicolas is in heaven with my son.

Barbara-Anne Smith is with the Journey Neighbourhood Centre: “It’s been absolutely astoundingly overwhelming.”

Fire officials are also investigating whether the building had adequate, working smoke detectors. They received a complaint from a resident about a year ago and when they inspected it at the time, smoke detectors were working. They want to make sure they hadn’t been altered since.

Meanwhile, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office is still investigating the cause of the blaze. It started in the unit where Nicolas died. But how did it spread so quickly?

Gary Jarrett is with the Brampton Fire Department: “Were there permits taken out and were they adhered to?”

Investigators believe the building’s roof may have been modified. They’ve requested records from the City of Brampton to ensure the complex was up to building code.

My request for an interview with Wynn Family Properties, the owner of the complex, was not returned.

As for victims of the fire, the Journey Centre says money is needed more than anything at this point. Donations can be made online.