Displaced Residents Still Not Allowed In To Retrieve Belongings

Almost 1,000 people still can’t get back into their apartments to retrieve personal belongings following a devastating fire and explosion at an apartment complex on Second Avenue . 

It’s been two days since the deafening blast, which sparked a five-alarm response in the Dawes Road and Danforth area, and despite the building being declared stable by city engineers, reports of toxic soot have authorities insisting that it’s still too dangerous for residents to enter.  That’s led to a mounting sense of frustration for those who have medications, cash, and other necessities still inside.

But as Toronto ‘s Medical Officer of Health Dave McKeown explained at a Tuesday morning press conference, safety is the number one priority.

“In the course of the explosion and fire soot was disseminated throughout the building.  Preliminary tests have indicated that there may be toxic substances contained within it.  We are currently arranging for…more testing to be done in order for us to estimate any health risk that may exist for people returning to the building.  We understand that people are anxious to get back in…however the health of residents is our first priority and we must assure that it’s safe to enter.”

And while authorities won’t let residents in to pick up personal belongings, they have assured them that any pets left behind will be rescued.

“If people have pets in the building…we will have the fire department go in and get their pets out of the building,” maintains Ontario Fire Marshal Bill Hiscott.

Some residents have expressed the need to pick up their medicine, but health experts warn that any meds left behind are already likely contaminated, and advise that any prescriptions be renewed.

It’s been a trying time for residents of the building.  Not only will they not be able to retrieve personal belongings until further testing is completed, but the prospects of moving back in don’t look good for the immediate future.

It will likely be about a month before they can return home because of extensive damage in the electrical room and two underground levels in the parking garage.  In the meantime, many are staying at a makeshift shelter at Secord Public School , while others are spending their nights with friends, and in hotels paid for by the city.

“Their patience has been incredible,” notes Elaine Symer of Toronto Emergency Planning.   “We have been trying to give them the services they need, they have been incredibly cooperative … We have met with every tenant that has come to the reception centre.  They have told us what they need, we have tried to give them exactly what they need…We are prepared to keep people housed until they can get back into their units.”

“I don’t think (I’ll move back), no,” said Sam Ahsan.  “Because it’s not safe any more. Even if they say, ‘yeah, you can move in now,’ can you feel like (going back) to that building?”

For those who do plan to move back, it will take at least four weeks to restore power and water. Determining the cause may take even longer.