Toronto Fire Services Chief Matthew Pegg says a captain who was critically injured while responding to a three-alarm blaze in the city’s downtown has been released from an intensive care unit at a nearby trauma centre.
“I want to thank all of those who were instrumental in this outcome, especially our firefighters who initially assisted Captain (James) Warren, the Toronto paramedics who assessed, treated and transported Captain Warren to hospital and the exceptional staff at St. Michael’s Hospital,” Pegg wrote.
“Both Toronto Fire Services (TFS) and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association (TPFFA) will continue to support our injured firefighters and their families during the remainder of their recovery period.”
Emergency crews were called to a property on Shuter Street, just west of Jarvis Street, at around 2 a.m. on Nov. 2. The fire quickly escalated to a three-alarm blaze.
Warren, along with another firefighter, fell three storeys from the roof as it crumbled beneath them. Pegg said both men sustained “significant injuries” as a result of the fall.
The other firefighter was released from hospital. However, Warren remains in the care of St. Michael’s Hospital. It’s not yet known when Warren will be able to complete his recovery at home.
The TPFFA issued a statement calling Warren’s progress in recovery “remarkable.”
“We’re sincerely thankful for the care and support provided by St. Mike’s Hospital staff, TFS, our members, and all who continue to hold James, and Terry Leimonis who was also injured and in recovery, in their hearts and minds. Thank you,” the statement said.
Toronto police said the Office of the Fire Marshal determined the fire was an act of arson. Officers said a man was reportedly seen leaving the property as crews arrived.
Anyone with information about the fire was asked to call police at 416-808-5100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
Comments