One person dead after North York encampment fire
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Flames as high as 30 to 40 feet were reported after one person died in a North York encampment site fire early Thursday morning.
Toronto Police said fire and police crews were called to the area of Eglinton Ave. E. and Credit Union Dr. around 4:30 a.m. with reports of two encampments on fire.
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Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said one person was located deceased inside an outdoor structure at the encampment site and that it was a large and difficult blaze to fight, with crews having to get down a steep embankment in the Don Valley.
“Upon arrival, the first truck encountered significant fire — flames reportedly 30 to 40 feet in the air,” Jessop told reporters at the scene.
“I have been down into the area and certainly there are a number of trees that clearly confirm that. (It was a) heavily involved structure fire down in the valley here.”
There were also flammable items to be concerned about.
“Additional crews were immediately called, given the size of the fire, as well as given the number of propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders that were exploding and that we documented down at the scene,” Jessop said.
Jessop didn’t provide additional details on the victim, but said the coroner’s office will investigate the death.
Like numerous other North American cities, first responders have been dealing with these types of situations for years, he said.
“We do our best to prepare them. They’re well aware of the risks of encampment fires,” he said.
Jessop said firefighters, the provincial fire marshal and city police will investigate the cause and circumstances behind the blaze.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic fatal fire in North York early (Thursday) morning,” a city spokesperson told the Sun on Thursday. “City of Toronto staff and outreach workers have been attending the site regularly to offer supports, with the most recent visit being (Wednesday). Today, staff visited the site again to confirm no other individuals in need were on site. The city is co-operating with the investigation and once the site is released by Toronto Fire Services, staff will conduct a clean up of the area.”
– With files from The Canadian Press
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