‘We want to go home,’ residents say as blaze in Toronto’s east end continues for 6th day

Almost one week after a blaze started in Toronto’s east end, engineers and fire crews have officially decided they’ll need to destroy the wall of the Thorncliffe Park buildings to access the burning material and extinguish it.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop said city engineers have recommended causing “significant damage” to units with the adjoining burning wall.

“We understand this is hard to hear for those impacted,” he said. “We know residents are eager to return home and we share that urgency, but safety must come first.”

Jessop has called the five-alarm blaze, which originally started on Nov. 27, one of the “more complex” he’s seen in his career. The fire has displaced residents in the buildings and many are now staying in hotel rooms while they wait to be told when they can return.

Jessop said the building will remain evacuated until further notice and while he can’t provide a specific timeframe, it will be at least until next week.

Firefighting crews are continuing to meet with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to explore options other than destruction. 

But Jessop said the burning material, which is no more than two inches in width, is sandwiched between two buildings, so getting water and other extinguishing agents on it includes putting holes in walls. 

“There is absolutely going to be damage to the units,” he said Wednesday at city hall.

For those displaced, going home can’t come soon enough. Resident Jacqui Julian says though they’re getting food and shelter at the hotel, she’s tired.

“We want to go home,” Julian said.

Ines Caparas, another displaced resident, said she’s thankful no one has been hurt and grateful to those working around the clock to extinguish the blaze.

“It’s not everyday that life is sailing smoothly. There is a bumpy road sometimes,” she said. 

A total of 239 individuals from 119 different households were supported with hotel accommodations through the Canadian Red Cross, city spokesperson Kate Lear said in an emailed statement. Those 239 people are occupying 131 hotel rooms.

Crews battle stubborn, unseen fire in Toronto apartment complex

Coun. Rachel Chernos Lin (Don Valley West) said she understands that people are anxious for the day they’re told they’re able to return.

“That is a universal feeling,” she said. “But they also have been very patient and very understanding and [want] to make sure that the fire is out.”

The community has shown up for one another, Chernos Lin said.

“What has really struck me is the collaborative work that has been so stellar,” she said. “Everybody is really wrapping themselves around residents and making sure that their needs are met.”

Chernos Lin confirmed the investigation into the cause of the fire has started.

“I know that everyone will want to make sure that it’s done properly and no stone is left unturned,” she said. “It may take some time, but they’ll get to the bottom of this. I’m confident of that.”

Toronto Building executive director Kamal Gogna, who was also at the news conference at city hall Wednesday, said engineers have carried out initial investigations and will further evaluate once the firefighting efforts have been concluded.

“We expect that different parts of the building may be available for occupancy at different times,” he said. “We’re committed to sharing clear information as soon as assessments are completed.”