A Toronto Fire Services truck sits outside one of the Thorncliffe Park highrises in Toronto on Friday. Toronto Star
Fire crews in Toronto continue to battle a “stubborn fire” inside two neighbouring highrise buildings. The blaze started Thursday afternoon and kept burning through Friday.
Acting division commander Robert Houston said teams have “actively fighting a stubborn fire” for more than 24 hours. Firefighters faced thick smoke and dangerous gas levels almost immediately.
Crews detected “high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the building.” Officials then ordered a full evacuation of both towers. The two buildings together hold 408 units.
Hundreds Leave Homes With No Return Date
Emergency teams cleared every unit as carbon monoxide readings climbed. Officials reported no injuries. They credited quick evacuations and constant monitoring for that result.
Houston said temperatures and carbon monoxide readings “successfully lowered,” which reassured crews. Still, he stressed that firefighters “do not have eyes on the fire… just behind walls,” so they rely on heat cameras and air testing.
He said “there is no timeline” for residents returning home. “We just can’t see… we’re in the middle of trying to mitigate the situation,” he explained.
City representatives said staff moved displaced residents from an emergency hub to nearby hotels. The Red Cross now helps coordinate support. Officials arranged 70 hotel rooms for 114 residents so far. They still do not know the total number of people affected.
Carbon Monoxide Reaches Extremely Dangerous Levels
In a morning update, Fire Chief Jim Jessop described very serious air conditions. Crews measured “850 parts per million” of carbon monoxide at one point. Experts call that level life-threatening.
Jessop warned that the incident will likely be a “prolonged event.” He said teams have no firm time for full control. Even after firefighters knock down the fire, crews plan to remain another 24 hours. They will watch for flareups and check gas levels again.
Firefighters first responded to a call at 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. They found “light smoke” spread through several floors. The fire later reached a second building at 21 Overlea Blvd.
Jessop said burning insulation inside the walls caused many problems. The material ignited and “slowly” burned out of sight inside both buildings. That hidden fire led to “high levels of carbon monoxide” across the towers “because of the incomplete combustion.”
City Praises Crews and Urges Residents to Seek Help
Local officials thanked firefighters and partner agencies during the briefing. They highlighted the lack of injuries as a major relief. “The most important thing is that everybody in this community is safe,” one city representative said.
Officials urged displaced residents to contact the Red Cross for help. They promised more updates once firefighters gain better access to hidden problem areas. For now, residents must wait in temporary housing while crews continue their difficult work.
