Fire crews continue fighting a concealed blaze in Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park as residents remain displaced with no timeline for safe return.
Thorncliffe Park Fire Drags On as Crews Battle Hidden Hotspots
A Complex Fire That Won’t Quit
Toronto fire officials say a stubborn blaze inside two adjoining apartment buildings in Thorncliffe Park remains “active and challenging,” with no timeline for safe return of displaced residents. The fire, discovered Thursday shortly before 2 p.m., continues to burn inside insulation wedged between 11 Thorncliffe Park Dr. and 21 Overlea Blvd., forming what officials call one of the city’s most unusual incidents in years.
Acting Division Commander Robert Hewson said Saturday morning that progress has been “slow but steady,” as crews confront a smouldering fire they cannot directly see.
How the Blaze Spread Inside the Walls
Officials say the fire began in the underground parking area before travelling vertically through building cavities, igniting insulation trapped between structural walls. Because the flames are sealed behind layers of concrete and brick, firefighters are relying on temperature data and carbon monoxide readings instead of visual confirmation.
Hewson said limited access points have made firefighting “meticulous,” with crews cutting into the walls while avoiding electrical, hydro, and gas infrastructure.
Residents Evacuated and Assisted Off-Site
High carbon monoxide levels prompted a full evacuation of both buildings Thursday evening. While crews continue suppression efforts, firefighters are retrieving critical items—such as medications—for evacuated tenants when possible.
Toronto Hydro has restored power after an hours-long shutdown, though residents still cannot return. The Canadian Red Cross has arranged roughly 70 hotel rooms for more than 100 displaced individuals, with others encouraged to register for support.
City Response and Community Support
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop described the incident as one of the “more complex” fires in Toronto’s history, noting that 77 firetrucks cycled through overnight operations. He said extinguishment could take “hours or days,” emphasizing that safety will dictate all decisions.
Local councillor Rachel Chernos Lin praised community groups, including staff at The Neighbourhood Organization, who kept the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub open overnight for residents. Mayor Olivia Chow visited the scene, thanking crews for their coordinated response and reassuring affected families: “You are not alone.”
Firefighters Prepare for a Long Operation
Jessop said crews will remain on site long after the flames are extinguished to ensure conditions are stable before anyone re-enters the buildings. An investigation into the cause will begin only once the fire is fully out.
Despite the uncertainty, many residents expressed relief that the evacuation was orderly and injury-free. “We’re just thankful we’re alive,” said Pauline Balabanowicz, who fled with her husband Thursday evening after smoke filled a nearby unit.
Others, like longtime resident Joan Fotopoulos, are choosing to focus on resilience. “Sometimes bad things happen in life,” she said. “Everyone is safe—that’s what matters.”
