Fire in Mississauga leaves Syrian refugees homeless

According to the report, the fire had struck in the house at 2 a.m. on Saturday.

Khaled Alawad, who was living in the house with his wife and three children, dialed 911 to seek help as the fire swept the entire house on Saturday midnight.

Describing the situation, Alawad told the Star: "I saw a light coming from the backyard, and I saw a big fire. I picked up my children and family and brought them outside and yelled, ‘please help, help, fire!"

The firefighters, who came immediately to the spot, took complete five hours to extinguish the fire, which destroyed the house by then.

Though no family members received any injury, two of the firefighters sustained minor ones, who were taken to a hospital.

The police, who didn't find any evidence in the whole incident, is continuing the investigation.

The family, who has been left homeless, is presently residing at a friend's house.

"We’ve gone two days without sleeping ... we’re very tired,” Alawad said.

“You will find bad people and good people everywhere," he added. "I thank God that my family is safe.”

The Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, following the fire break out,  was opened for the family to access the washroom and serve as a rehab location.

Alawad has created a GoFundMePage with an aim to collect at least $20,000, stating that he is new to Canada and needs help.

In an email interaction with the Star, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all residents who are now rebuilding their lives as a result of this devastating fire.'

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)