A four-alarm fire in Toronto’s west end on Saturday morning left one person with life-threatening injuries and three others with minor injuries.
A fire broke out at a three-story, multi-unit apartment complex at 828 Shaw St., north of Bloor Street, around 6:15 a.m.
“We were greeted with thick smoke and flames when we arrived. The fire swiftly grew out of control “At the scene, Acting Fire Chief Jim Jessop told reporters.
According to fire officials, black smoke and flames were seen pouring from the building’s second level and roof.
Jessop said 11 people were rescued from the burning building and four were transported to hospital.
One adult sustained life-threatening injuries and the three others had minor injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown. As of 10 a.m., Jessop said crews were still working to knock down the fire.
“We’ve had a number of internal collapses. We still have not completed our primary and secondary searches throughout the entire building. And we are just actively fighting the fire at this time,” he said.
Crews are working in incredibly difficult conditions, according to Jessop, who stated the temperature this morning was -30 with the wind chill.
“As you can see, it is without a doubt the coldest day of the year. In these really challenging situations, the ladies and men of Toronto Fire are performing wonderfully. Several pieces of our equipment have frozen. It’s obviously bitterly cold, but we’ll be here all day.”
The Canadian Red Cross has arrived on the scene to help with shelter.
Source_ The Canadian Press
