Key Takeaways:
- A complex fire has been burning in the walls of two connected apartment buildings in Thorncliffe Park, Toronto, since Thursday afternoon.
- The fire is burning combustible particle board between the two buildings, making it difficult for crews to access and extinguish.
- Residents have been evacuated and are staying in hotel rooms, with support from the Canadian Red Cross and Toronto Emergency Management.
- There is currently no timeline for extinguishing the blaze or getting people back into their apartments.
- The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Introduction to the Situation
The residents of two towers at a Thorncliffe Park high-rise are still waiting to hear when they will be able to return home, as fire crews continue to battle a complex fire that has been burning since Thursday afternoon. The fire, which has been described as one of the "more complex" the Toronto Fire Service has ever seen, is burning insulation within the walls of the two connected apartment buildings at Thorncliffe Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard. Despite the efforts of fire crews, there is still no timeline for extinguishing the blaze, and residents are left waiting in hotel rooms for a time frame on when they can return to their homes.
Community Support and Response
Many residents are now staying in hotel rooms while they wait for an update on when they can return to their apartments. One resident, May, who works for the Neighbourhood Organization, which is helping to co-ordinate support for evacuees, expressed her gratitude for the community that has come together to support each other during this difficult time. May told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning that residents have been staying in touch through text and email, looking after each other while they wait. The Canadian Red Cross is supporting 141 households, consisting of 293 residents, with 117 hotel rooms during the fire, according to Toronto Emergency Management director Joanna Beaven-Desjardins.
Challenges in Accessing the Fire
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said that the material that is burning is "combustible particle board that was placed between an expansion joint" between the two buildings. This material is not producing flames, and there is currently no danger of structural damage, but it needs to be put out before people can move back in. However, accessing the fire is proving to be a challenge for crews. Jessop compared the situation to a "cigar that is burning slowly," saying that getting to the burning material is "next to impossible" for crews. Despite the challenges, crews continue to work around the clock, consulting with engineers to find a way to get to the burning material.
Collaboration and Communication
Local councillor Rachel Chernos Lin praised the collaboration between city agencies and support groups, saying that it has been "truly exceptional" as they help residents. She noted that people are living in a bit of uncertainty, waiting for updates, but they are getting lots of communication. Chernos Lin also acknowledged that the situation is unusual, as the fire is not producing visible flames, and it’s not the normal trajectory that people expect when they think of a fire. Toronto Fire is also working on a plan to move people back into the building as soon as possible, so when the fire is out, there will be minimal delay for residents.
Investigation and Next Steps
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said that he hadn’t seen a fire like this in his roughly 30-year career. Jessop thanked the residents for their patience and understanding, acknowledging that it’s difficult to be dislocated from their homes, especially during this time of year. He assured residents that crews are doing everything they can to get to the burning material and extinguish the fire as soon as possible. Once the fire is out, there will be a minimum of 24 hours before residents can return to their apartments, as crews will need to ensure that the building is safe for occupancy.
