Two elderly women were taken to hospital following a high-rise apartment fire in North York early Thursday morning that forced more than a dozen residents from their homes.
Emergency crews were called to 1420 Victoria Park Ave. near O’Connor Drive and Eglinton Avenue East shortly before 2 a.m. Toronto Fire officials say crews arrived to find heavy smoke conditions on the ninth floor, where the fire began in a hallway and caused significant damage. Approximately 18 units were affected.
Five people were treated at the scene, while two elderly women were transported to hospital. One woman suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and the other sustained minor injuries.
More than 40 firefighters responded to the blaze, which was escalated to a second alarm due to the challenges of evacuating residents, many of whom were seniors with mobility concerns. Officials credited fire crews with preventing further loss of life during the difficult rescue operation.
The ninth floor was heavily damaged and several units will remain uninhabitable for an extended period. A fire door helped limit the spread of flames and smoke to other parts of the building.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, with Toronto police assisting fire officials. Authorities have not confirmed whether the fire was suspicious.
Update – Police have arrested 62-year-old Herbert Ward, who has no fixed address, with arson endangering the safety of others and three counts of disobeying a lawful court order. Police allege the suspect deliberately started the fire on the ninth floor before leaving the building.