2 CRITICAL IN DRUG LAB FIRE

GTA pair airlifted to specialized U.S. burn unit

Two men drove themselves to hospital after they were critically
injured during a fire at a clandestine drug lab in Mississauga Sunday
night.

"What it appears to be is a methamphetamine drug lab," said Const.
Jennifer Bryer of Peel Regional Police. "The chemicals used (to
produce drugs) are pretty volatile and highly explosive."

Bryer said one of the victims -- a 33-year-old, who may be a U.S.
resident and rents the house -- is not expected to survive his injuries.

The second victim -- a 45-year-old Toronto man -- is in critical
condition.

They were both airlifted from Credit Valley Hospital to Strong
Memorial hospital in Rochester, N.Y., yesterday morning. Officials at
Credit Valley Hospital said Strong Memorial was the closest hospital
with available "burn bed" facilities.

NEIGHBOUR SHOCKED

Arun Saini, 55, who has lived directly across the street from the
gutted home for eight years was stunned to hear what was found
after fire broke out before 8:15 p.m. Sunday.

"This is supposed to be a quiet street and neighbourhood. It is quite
upsetting" said Saini, who didn't know the family of four who have
rented the house for a year.

Bryer said drug labs are more difficult to find, andpolice locate more
in rural than in urban areas.

"This is the first meth lab they have encountered in the past two
years," Bryer said, noting Peel police dismantled at least 100
marijuana grow operations last year.

Members of the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services hazardous
materials-handling team observed the home from a safe distance with
binoculars.

Police said it will be at least three days before they can investigate
the crime scene. The Ontario Fire Marshal's office has also been called in.