100 Firefighters Tackle Large Blaze as Explosion Damages Three Homes in Greater Sudbury Community

100 Firefighters Tackle Large Blaze as Explosion Damages Three Homes in Greater Sudbury Community of Hanmer

A powerful explosion followed by a significant fire rocked the quiet community of Hanmer, located within Greater Sudbury, early Thursday morning. The incident, which triggered a massive emergency response, resulted in serious damage to at least three homes but miraculously left no one injured, according to local officials.

 

The fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. in a residential area on Michelle Drive. Residents described being jolted awake by a loud explosion that shook windows and lit up the night sky. Within minutes, flames engulfed a home and began spreading to neighboring properties.

 

More than 100 firefighters from various stations across Greater Sudbury were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews battled the inferno for several hours, working under challenging conditions due to the scale of the blaze and the closeness of the homes.

 

“The first arriving units encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a single residence, which had suffered a significant explosion,” said Greater Sudbury Fire Services Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell. “The fire then extended to two adjacent homes, causing substantial structural damage.”

 

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading further along the residential street. At the peak of the operation, fire trucks and emergency vehicles lined the roads, and water tankers had to be brought in to support firefighting efforts due to limited hydrant access in the area.

 

The explosion’s cause remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have originated from inside one of the homes. Fire investigators and representatives from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office have been called in to determine the source of the blast.

 

“We’re thankful there have been no injuries reported at this time,” said Deputy Chief Oshell. “Given the extent of the damage and the intensity of the explosion, the outcome could have been far worse.”

 

Residents in the area were temporarily evacuated as a safety precaution. Many stood on sidewalks, wrapped in blankets, watching the firefighting efforts unfold. Some families have been displaced and are receiving support from emergency social services and the Canadian Red Cross.

 

Michelle Drive and surrounding streets remain closed as crews continue their assessment and cleanup efforts. The city has also issued a public safety advisory urging residents to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction.

 

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre issued a statement later in the morning expressing relief that no lives were lost and praising the quick, coordinated response of local fire crews.

 

“This event underscores the professionalism and dedication of our first responders,” said Lefebvre. “We’re grateful for their swift action, which undoubtedly prevented a greater tragedy.”

 

While the full cost of the damage is still being assessed, officials say the three homes affected may be total losses. Further updates are expected from investigators in the coming days as they work to determine exactly what caused the explosion and fire.

 

For now, the community of Hanmer is left shaken but thankful — a night of devastation met with a response of bravery and resilience.

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