Toronto Fire Services say a man died following a house fire that broke out in east-end Toronto early Wednesday.
Firefighters were called to a semi-detached home on Riverdale Avenue, near Pape Avenue, at around 12:45 a.m.
Fire officials said crews forced their way through the home and found a person on the second floor.
Toronto Paramedics said a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No one else was transported to hospital, paramedics said.
“On behalf of Toronto Fire, I extend condolences to family, friends and all those impacted by the fatal fire,” Fire Chief Matthew Pegg said.
“The investigation into the origin cause and circumstances of this fire will commence in collaboration with Toronto Police and Ontario Fire Marshal,” Pegg said.
A person who said he is the neighbour of the home that caught on fire spoke to Global News about the blaze.
Christian, who only gives his first name, said he smelled smoke and heard rustling on the other side of the wall of the semi-detached home around midnight.
He also said his neighbour has a “hoarding problem.”
Christian added that his home only has slight water damage and said, “Honestly, it’s a miracle. Those firefighters are heroes. … They saved our house.”
— With files from Global News’ Alanna Rizza