A major fire severely damaged the Zanzibar Tavern in downtown Toronto on Sunday morning, leaving the owner devastated and the building with significant structural damage.
Toronto Fire crews were called to the adult entertainment venue near Yonge and Elm streets at about 6 a.m. after reports of smoke coming from the building. Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and flames at roof level, with the blaze eventually escalating to three alarms.
The building was unoccupied when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters working inside were later pulled out as conditions deteriorated, with crews continuing their efforts from outside.
Parts of the roof collapsed, while sections of the interior and roof structure were compromised. Fire officials described the fire as deep-seated and difficult to contain, in part because neighbouring buildings are closely packed together.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said the damage is substantial but there is currently no indication that the fire was deliberately set. The cause remains under investigation.