One man is dead and two other individuals are in critical condition following a three-alarm fire at an apartment building in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood
Toronto Fire responded to reports of a blaze at a seven-storey building attached to the All Saints Church at 319 Dundas Street East, near Sherbourne Street, shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke on multiple floors upon arrival
The blaze escalated to a three alarm with approximately 60 to 80 firefighters on scene at one point
“What was described to me by the incoming crews is they were rescuing countless numbers of people that were overcome by smoke in the hallway. We were able to rescue a number of them out,” Acting Fire Chief Jim Jessop said at the scene
However, one male has since been pronounced deceased in hospital and two other individuals are in life-threatening condition, Jessop said
Toronto police said the deceased is a man in his 40s and that a man in his 70s is in critical condition
Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries, according to Jessop
Toronto Fire said the blaze originated in one unit and smoke spread throughout the hallways
Jessop said there is significant damage to the third and fourth floors due to the heat and smoke
“All I can tell you is that being up on that third floor and speaking with our crews, there was zero visibility. The crews did outstanding work. This could have been a lot worse had it not been for the quick action of our crews,” he said
Jessop said the fire was under control in less than 90 minutes and has since been put out
Some residents were allowed to go back into their units and shelter buses were called in for displaced residents until they’re able to get temporary shelter
Crews remain on scene doing overhaul and clearing water
Jessop said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze
The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified
Kerrisa Wilson, CP24 Web Content Writer
