Firefighters battle massive blaze in Downsview

An investigation is underway to determine what caused a massive wind-fueled three-alarm blaze in Downsview on Saturday morning.

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg says the fire broke out in a row of townhomes under construction on Frederick Tisdale Drive in the area of Downsview Park just before 10 a.m. It’s believed construction crews were not on scene at the time.

“When our first crews arrived, they had heavy smoke and flames emanating from the building,” said Pegg, who added there were numerous collapses which prevented firefighters from entering the structures to actively fight the blaze.

Video courtesy Miranda Kishimoto

Pegg says one of the big challenges for crews was the heavy wind which helped to drive the flames. The smoke managed to drift all the way over to Highway 401 to the south, causing a visual distraction for drivers.

Fire continues at Downsview ???? @CP24 @CityNews @CTVToronto @Toronto_Fire @tofire pic.twitter.com/bR0n3oFBbH

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The blaze was eventually brought under control almost three hours later. No injuries were reported and no evacuations were necessary from any nearby residences.

Investigators are on the scene to determine what may have sparked the fire.