Over 1,500 People Have No Place To Live After A Devastating Fire In Downtown Toronto
As you may have heard, a fire broke out in an apartment building yesterday afternoon in Toronto's east end. All of the building's residents - roughly 1,500 people - were immediately evacuated. The blaze was so severe that Toronto Fire services have shut down the entire building, leaving every resident temporarily homeless.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a fire in the building at around 12:50 PM on Tuesday. The blaze became progressively worse, and authorities deemed it a six-alarm fire - indicating that it was severe and difficult to contain.
Based on what chief Matthew Pegg said and what we are hearing from firefighters on various floors, this electrical fire is affecting multiple floors. Power is off now. Doubtful they'll be able to get power on anytime soon. @globalnewsto pic.twitter.com/akPp9fgVhQ
Some residents out on their balconies with masks to escape the smoke that’s rising through the building at Parliament and St. James. This electrical fire has been raised to 6 alarms. @CityNews pic.twitter.com/0pS99YCJlo
Global News reports that thick black smoke travelled from the basement and up the building, causing severe damage to the building's electrical system. Thankfully, nobody was severely hurt, but two people were taken to hospital with smoke-related injuries.
Nearly 100 firefighters and 26 fire trucks were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Authorities say that extensive repairs will have to be made before it is safe for all 1,500 residents to return home.
PARLIAMENT STREET - Now a 6th Alarm... 26 fire vehicles, 100 #TorontoFire Firefighters 17 pumpers, 6 aerials, 2 squads, 6 district chiefs, 1 platoon, 1 division commander, 2 command vehicles, 2 air supply vehicles, 1 hazmat vehicle pic.twitter.com/kN44MiS9dk
Long lines inside the Wellesley Community Centre as people displaced by the fire at 650 Parliament register to stay for the night. #TO pic.twitter.com/14K0RK8K9w
Nearby community centres opened their doors last night for displaced residents. The City of Toronto urges hotels to help as well, and to contact the GTA Red Cross to arrange for overnight accommodations.
Displaced residents from 650 Parliament St. can go to the Wellesley Community Centre where staff can help arrange for overnight accommodation. Hotels wanting to help by providing rooms can contact GTAresponse@redcross.ca
Even Mayor John Tory has joined the effort to help displaced residents find a place to stay. Airbnb hosts are encouraged to participate as well, by contacting GTAresponse@redcross.ca.
Source: Global News
