Two people are dead following a house fire in the west end of Toronto on Wednesday evening.
Toronto Fire Acting Chief Jim Jessop told reporters that crews received reports of a structure fire at 612 Gladstone Avenue shortly after 7 p.m.
Jessop said once on scene, crews were met with “heavy fire conditions,” and rescued two individuals from the home.
He said one person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The other person was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition, Jessop added. But in an update Thursday morning, fire officials said that person also died.
Jessop said the fire was a “deep-seated and hot fire,” adding that firefighters were “met with a wall of heat and flame.”
He said from what he has observed on the scene, the fire “certainly came up from the basement.”
According to Jessop, several firefighters who were overcome by the heat were assessed by Toronto paramedics, and have reported back to duty.
He said Toronto Fire will remain on scene to conduct fire watch, check for hot spots and assist in the investigation as needed.
Police said Shanly Street was closed from Dufferin Street to Bartlett Avenue.
Jessop said Toronto Fire extends its “deepest condolences and sympathy” to those impacted by the “tragic fatal fire.”
Comments