TORONTO — A third-floor condo fire sent thick clouds of black smoke over part of downtown Toronto on Thursday, forcing scores of people from their homes.
The mid-morning fire and efforts to contain it caused extensive damage to the surrounding units in the 21-storey building, with windows cracked or blown out and water dripping from the apartment.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known and it appeared no one was hurt.
Residents in lockdown because of COVID-19 who fled the building milled about outside or sat on the sidewalks, unsure of their next steps. One couple, who lived a storey above the fire, said they had grabbed their puppy and a few other items as they rushed to get out.
"This is Raymond," Josie Harauz said of her 14-week-old puppy as she sat forlornly on the curb. "He's a ray of light."
The couple said smoke began seeping into their unit, and it sounded like an explosion had occurred. They said they were sure their condo would also burn as they hastily gathered their belongings.
Nick Harauz said he managed to grab his wedding ring from a dresser, but not his wife's, and throw some things into a bag. He said he had no idea whether his apartment had been damaged or would still be habitable.
Witnesses said clearly visible flames and smoke came from the burning apartment.
The fire sparked a massive, three-alarm response, with numerous firefighters, ambulances and police attending the scene. Police cordoned off several blocks to traffic and said they had brought in transit buses for shelter.
The fire spread to an adjacent unit and then up to a fourth-floor balcony, according to responders.
"Crews were met with heavy smoke and flame," Division Commander Colin Giffin told local TV station CP24. "They initiated an aggressive fire attack and the fire was quickly knocked down."
No one was found inside the affected units, he said.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on April 23, 2020
Colin Perkel, The Canadian Press
