A deadly fire tore through an encampment in a wooded area of North York early Thursday morning, with Toronto Fire crews encountering flames reaching 30 to 40 feet high and multiple exploding propane tanks upon arrival, according to Fire Chief Jim Jessop. The blaze broke out near Eglinton Avenue East and Credit Union Drive around 4:30 a.m. and was brought under control within 15 minutes.
Firefighters discovered a deceased individual inside one of several makeshift structures—many of which were built from combustible materials like wood and cardboard, and one reportedly included a wood stove. The victim has not yet been identified.
Jessop noted the presence of several gas cylinders and propane tanks in the area, contributing to the fire’s intensity. He described the encampment as a “significant” setup and confirmed that multiple people had been living there. City outreach teams are expected to arrive on-site to assist the remaining residents with access to indoor shelters.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto police.
In response, Mayor Olivia Chow’s office called the incident “tragic” and emphasized the pressing need to expand shelter capacity and affordable housing. The mayor remains committed to eviction prevention efforts and accelerating construction on new affordable homes throughout the city.