A significant incident occurred in The Beaches neighborhood of Toronto, where a 2-alarm fire impacted at least three homes late Sunday evening. According to Toronto fire officials, the fire ignited at a residence located on Wheeler Avenue, just north of Queen Street East, around 10 p.m.
The cause of the blaze has been linked to electrical wires situated on the exterior of the affected home. These wires caught fire and the flames subsequently spread into the basement area of the residence. As the fire developed, smoke traveled to at least two adjacent homes, resulting in visible charring on the exteriors of these structures. The connection between the homes via wire links contributed to the spread of the fire and smoke, affecting multiple properties in the vicinity.
Firefighting crews responded promptly to the scene and worked diligently to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries among residents or firefighters, highlighting the effectiveness of the emergency response.
In addition to the fire department's efforts, Toronto Hydro crews are also present at the location. Their objective is to restore power to approximately 1,600 customers who have been affected by the fire and its aftermath. The disruption in power is likely due to the fire's impact on the electrical infrastructure in the area, which necessitated immediate action to ensure the safety and return of services to local residents.
This incident illustrates the potential hazards associated with electrical wiring and the importance of addressing maintenance issues proactively. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances that led to this fire, and community members are reminded to practice caution regarding electrical safety, particularly in older homes where wiring may be outdated or in need of repair.
Overall, the quick response by local fire crews and utility companies has mitigated what could have been a far worse situation, and the community remains on alert as further assessments are conducted in the area.
