One firefighter in critical condition after blaze at Mississauga, Ont., warehouse

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Police say one firefighter is in critical condition in hospital and three others were injured while fighting a massive fire at a warehouse in an industrial area of Mississauga, Ont.

Peel police Const. Thomas Ruttan says the warehouse is a storage facility for imported goods and that explosions were caused by butane lighters and aerosol cans of insect spray stored inside.

Ruttan had no specific details about the injuries to the firefighters but said the fire was being contained and crews were still working on putting out hot spots in the building.

He says there are no current concerns about toxicity in the smoke coming from the building but people in the area are advised to avoid breathing in smoke if possible.

Huge clouds of black smoke and numerous large fireballs lit the pre-dawn sky at the scene of the blaze (near Steeles Avenue East and Airport Road) just north of Pearson International Airport.

Witnesses report hearing small explosions and a series of loud popping sounds after the fire began before 5 a.m.

Airport officials say flights have not been affected by the thick smoke in the area but GO transit in the area is being affected, with some trains being delayed.