Fire crews are working to extinguish a fire at two Toronto high-rises in Thorncliffe Park, following a similar blaze that displaced hundreds of residents months ago. The fire broke out at 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. and 21 Overlea Blvd., prompting a response from Toronto Fire Services just after 11:30 a.m. on Monday.
Fire Details and Response
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop confirmed that crews are actively fighting the fire and monitoring the buildings for smoke and carbon monoxide. Unlike the previous incident, the buildings have not been evacuated. Residents are sheltering in place, as officials deem it safe to do so at this time. Jessop emphasized that continuous air monitoring is being conducted to ensure residents are not in danger.
Similarities to Previous Fire
Jessop noted that the current fire is burning insulation trapped inside concrete walls, much like the blaze that occurred late last year. That fire burned for weeks before being extinguished in mid-December, leading to the evacuation of 400 units due to rising carbon monoxide levels. An investigation concluded that construction activities at 11 Thorncliffe Park involved ignition sources near combustible materials, sparking the fire. PFC Construction was charged with multiple Ontario fire code violations, and the property manager and condo corporation also face charges.
Preventive Measures and Investigation
Since the previous fire, building owners have taken steps to prevent a recurrence, including hiring an engineering firm and submitting proper plans. Jessop stated that as part of rehabilitation, the owner and engineering team boarded off and isolated the affected area on both sides of the building. This containment has limited smoke and carbon monoxide to the enclosed area. Investigators are now probing the cause of the latest fire.
"Our crews are doing continual air monitoring throughout the building to make sure that the residents are in no danger," Jessop said. "The operation will continue until Toronto Fire Service is satisfied that the fire is completely extinguished."
In related news, police believe a fire at the Toronto Humber Yacht Club was likely intentional, and another fire caused substantial damage to the same club.
