Key Takeaways:
- A fire broke out in two connected apartment buildings in Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park neighborhood, with the cause still unknown.
- The fire is burning insulation between the walls of the buildings, making it difficult for crews to access and extinguish.
- Over 77 firetrucks have been deployed to the scene, with crews working to lower carbon monoxide levels and floor-to-floor temperatures.
- Residents have been evacuated, with some being provided with temporary accommodations by the Canadian Red Cross.
- The investigation into the cause of the fire will take place after it has been extinguished.
Introduction to the Fire
The city of Toronto is currently dealing with a complex and stubborn fire that has broken out in two connected apartment buildings in the Thorncliffe Park neighborhood. The fire was first discovered on Thursday before 2 p.m. at 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. and 21 Overlea Blvd. According to Robert Hewson, acting division commander for Toronto Fire Services, the fire is burning insulation between the walls of the two buildings, making it difficult for crews to access and extinguish. The fire is described as a "slow burning" and "stubborn" fire, with crews relying on temperature readings and CO levels to monitor their progress.
Challenges in Fighting the Fire
The fire has proven to be a challenging one for crews to fight, with the insulation burning between the walls of the two buildings making it difficult to access. Hewson stated that crews have limited access to apply water to the fire, which is why it’s taking time to bring under control. Despite the challenges, crews have made some progress, with carbon monoxide levels and floor-to-floor temperatures in the buildings decreasing over the last two hours. The fire is believed to have started in the parking garage and spread to the upper floors, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Impact on Residents
The fire has had a significant impact on the residents of the two buildings, with all units being evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide. There is currently no timeline for when residents can return to their units, with crews working to ensure that the buildings are safe before allowing residents to return. In the meantime, the Canadian Red Cross has provided temporary accommodations for some residents, with about 70 hotel rooms arranged for around 114 people. Residents who have been displaced are encouraged to reach out to the Red Cross for housing support.
Response from Authorities
The response from authorities has been swift and coordinated, with over 77 firetrucks deployed to the scene. Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop described the fire as one of the "most complex" blazes in the city’s history, with crews taking a "meticulous and methodical" approach to fighting the fire. The city’s priority is ensuring the safety of all residents in the area, with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow thanking fire crews and other teams for their collaboration and quick response. An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place after it has been extinguished.
Resident Reactions
Residents who have been displaced by the fire are grateful for the support they have received, but are also anxious to return to their homes. Paul and Pauline Balabanowicz, who have lived in the building for several years, are currently staying in a nearby hotel and are waiting for the green light from fire crews to return to their apartment. Another resident, Joan Fotopoulos, who has lived in the building for over 30 years, said that she is just thankful that no one was hurt and that the situation could have been much worse. Despite the challenges, residents are trying to stay positive and are grateful for the support of the community.
Conclusion
The fire in the two connected apartment buildings in Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park neighborhood is a complex and challenging one, with crews working tirelessly to bring it under control. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an investigation will take place after it has been extinguished. In the meantime, residents who have been displaced are receiving support from the Canadian Red Cross and other authorities. The city’s priority is ensuring the safety of all residents in the area, and crews will continue to work to ensure that the buildings are safe before allowing residents to return.
