Ontario fire officials believe it will be a few months before they will have an answer for what caused last weekend’s explosion that destroyed a Mississauga strip mall and sent 58 residents to shelters.

The fire that resulted from the explosion at Dundas and Hurontario Sts. directly affected 104 businesses and 24 residential units, Mississauga fire Chief Tim Beckett said.

“As of yesterday morning we were able to get into the actual building itself — ground zero,” Beckett told reporters Friday. “Fire marshal anticipates that their on-site investigation will go until Saturday evening.”

Road closures remained in effect following the incident, however three northbound lanes of Hurontario and one southbound lane has since reopened.

A cleanup operation continues at what’s left of the plaza, and nearby houses can be seen with boarded-up windows and doors.

“We would not put people back into their homes if they were unsafe as it relates to fire or gas,” Beckett said.

Costs for the repairs haven’t been calculated, Beckett said, “as more resources are brought on scene.”

Read more about: