Diwali Caused Massive Fire In Canada
The rumor
A claim is spreading online that a massive fire in Milton, Ontario, Canada, was caused by Diwali celebrations and fireworks. People are sharing a video of the blaze while asserting that it is linked to the holiday.
This claim caught on because the video of the large fire circulated widely around the time of the festival, leading some social media users to connect the incident to holiday celebrations.
The truth
According to reports, the fire occurred on November 8 at an abandoned building, specifically the former Habitat for Humanity ReStore building at 700 Main Street East in Milton. A press release issued by the Town of Milton stated that Milton Fire & Rescue Services contained the major overnight fire, with no occupants inside and no injuries reported.
Police have stated that the incident is entirely unrelated to Diwali celebrations. According to the reports, Halton Regional Police have not linked the blaze to the holiday and have instead charged three teenagers with arson in connection with the incident.
Where it is being claimed
The claim is being made and shared on social media in Canada.
In short False
What is true
- A massive fire occurred at an abandoned building on Main Street East in Milton, Canada.
- Police have charged three teenagers with arson in connection with the fire.
What is false
- The fire was caused by Diwali celebrations or fireworks.
- The fire was linked to the holiday by law enforcement.
Sources
- Organiser – Fact Check: Video falsely blames Deepawali celebrations for massive fire in Canada; Police charge teenagers with arson
- India Today – Fact Check: Diwali celebrations caused huge fire in Canada? Here's what police said
- Newschecker – Diwali Celebrations Caused Fire In Canada? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Claim
- AFP Fact Check – No evidence Ontario abandoned building fire related to Diwali celebrations
- thecanadianpressnews.ca – Fact File: Police say fire in Milton, Ont., unrelated to Diwali celebrations
- Toronto Star – Fact File: Police say fire in Milton, Ont., unrelated to Diwali celebrations