Brighton firefighters tackle overhaul at a Young Street apartment after an early-morning blaze March 26, 2026. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
An early-morning apartment blaze on Young Street in Brighton has caused an estimated $1 million-plus in damages.
A large contingent of firefighters remained at the scene tackling overhaul at the apartment into the afternoon Thursday, March 26.
Brighton Fire and Rescue Chief Gene Thompson told MBC that all residents have been accounted for.
Deputy Chief Andrew Hutchinson confirmed at the scene that one person was taken to hospital as a precaution.
“We got called for smoke in the basement (and) we responded here around 2:04 a.m.,” Hutchinson told MBC.
He told us more about firefighters’ early-morning attack at 19 and 21 Young St., which ultimately stopped the fire from spreading next door.
It’s believed the apartment had four units and several residents have been displaced as a result of the blaze. Next door, initial reports indicate damage has been limited to just water and smoke damage.
Firefighters also saved a family cat that was perched in the window when crews first arrived on scene.
Early Thursday morning, Hutchinson explained crews work at that time was more about safety and overhaul.
Young Street was previously shut down to traffic near Sobeys but reopened this afternoon. Hydro Crews remained on scene this afternoon working to get power back on in the area.
No firefighters were injured while tackling the blaze – and Hutchinson tipped his hat to crews who had a long night and day.
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) was notified due to the significance of the damage, which Thompson said is estimated at more than $1 million, although he also noted this is ultimately an insurance-related call.
In an afternoon update, Thompson also said the cause will go down as undetermined.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
