Man Dead In Apartment Fire
Posted April 5, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Careless smoking may have caused a three-alarm fire that claimed the life of a 60-year-old man and left nearly 60 residents without a home.
The blaze broke out just before midnight on Saturday at 56 Maitland Street. Firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the low-rise apartment building and immediately began working to get everyone out.
“I opened up the door and the super was yelling, ‘Get everyone out! Everbody out!'” described resident Edward Lund.
“By the time we were in the hall, the smoke was amazing – so thick you couldn’t even see,” noted fellow evacuee Katherine Kent.
Nearly 50 units were evacuated and tenants were moved to nearby buildings in the Yonge and Carlton St. area.
Workers found the victim and a woman, believed to be in her 50s, on the third floor. They were immediately taken to Toronto General Hospital, but it was too late for the man.
He was pronounced dead at hospital. The cause of death is believed to be smoke inhalation.
Another firefighter was also taken to hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and released. The woman is still in hospital but is expected to survive. Three firefighters were treated at the scene.
There is evidence a discarded cigarette may have caused the blaze, but the fire marshal’s office is investigating further.
The damage from the fire is extensive: residents will not be able to move back in for several weeks, and it could be days before they are allowed to collect their belongings.
At least 12 residents are using the city’s temporary emergency shelter, currently being provided at Metro Hall (55 John St.).
Residents are asked to register with the City of Toronto 416-676-1506 to remain up to date on when they will be allowed back home.
Residents can also call the City of Toronto Shelter Support and Housing Service 416-676-1506 for information or assistance.
If critical items from the building are required by residents they are asked to call for assistance.
