Key Takeaways
- A five-alarm fire in Thorncliffe Park has forced the evacuation of neighbouring buildings, with no timeline for residents to return home.
- The fire is still burning behind walls, making it difficult for firefighters to access and extinguish.
- Over 400 units were affected, with high levels of carbon monoxide prompting the evacuation.
- Firefighters are using monitoring of heat and air quality to track progress, as direct access to the fire is limited.
- The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation.
Introduction to the Fire Incident
The recent five-alarm fire in Thorncliffe Park has left many residents without a clear timeline for returning to their homes. The fire, which started on Thursday, has been a complex and challenging situation for firefighters to tackle. According to Acting Division Commander Rob Hewson, the fire is still burning behind the walls, making it difficult for crews to access and extinguish. This type of fire is unusual, as it is confined to a tight space, and firefighters are having to rely on monitoring heat and air quality to determine their progress.
Challenges in Fighting the Fire
The fire has presented several challenges for firefighters, including limited access to the blaze. The fire is "pressed" between two high-rise walls, making it difficult for crews to reach. Additionally, the use of large quantities of water to put out the fire is limited due to the confined space. Firefighters are having to use specific access points to apply water to the fire, which is slowing down the process. Despite these challenges, crews are making progress, with carbon monoxide levels decreasing over the last 12 hours.
Impact on Residents
The fire has had a significant impact on residents in the area, with over 400 units affected. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes due to high levels of carbon monoxide, and it is unclear when they will be able to return. Officials are urging residents to be patient, as their safety is the top priority. The uncertainty surrounding the situation is understandably causing concern among residents, who are eager to return to their homes. However, officials are taking a cautious approach, ensuring that the fire is fully extinguished and carbon monoxide levels return to zero before allowing residents to return.
Investigation and Next Steps
The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation, with officials working to determine how the blaze started. The fire is believed to have begun in the building’s underground parking structure before spreading to other areas. Crews are expected to remain on site until the fire is fully extinguished, and will stay for at least 24 hours afterward to ensure that carbon monoxide levels return to zero. This will provide an added layer of safety for residents, who will be able to return to their homes once it is safe to do so.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The five-alarm fire in Thorncliffe Park has been a complex and challenging situation for firefighters and residents alike. While progress is being made, the uncertainty surrounding the situation is causing concern among those affected. Officials are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing the safety of residents and ensuring that the fire is fully extinguished before allowing people to return to their homes. As the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire continues, residents can expect to receive updates on the situation, and officials will work to provide support and resources to those affected.
