Nearly 400 units remain evacuated after fire breaks out in east Toronto apartment complexes

Hundreds of East York residents are still unable to return to their homes after a fire that started inside the walls of two apartment buildings in Thorncliffe Park last week continued to burn.

Firefighters were called to 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. at 1:30 p.m. Thursday to reports of smoke on several floors.

The Toronto Fire Department said the fire was likely caused by an electrical issue. Power to the building and the adjacent building at 21 Overlea Blvd. has been cut off because the fire has spread there as well.

🔥 Why is it so hard to put out the fire?

Officials say the fire is burning inside the walls of the two buildings, and insulation is helping to fuel the fire, making it difficult to access and extinguish.

Mayor Olivia Cho described the situation as “complex,” saying:
“Residents have been accommodated in three hotels and we are doing everything we can to support them.”

About 400 units have been evacuated due to smoke and rising carbon monoxide levels. It is not yet clear when people will be able to return to their homes.

The Red Cross said about 114 people were in emergency shelters as of Friday.

The Toronto Fire Department is scheduled to provide an update on the operation and the condition of residents at noon.

Source