Fire at equipment facility prompt evacuations after propane tanks explode in Rexdale
Posted June 21, 2022 4:12 pm.
Last Updated June 22, 2022 12:14 am.
Toronto police say a three-alarm fire at an equipment rental facility in Rexdale was caused after propane tanks exploded, leading to the evacuation of nearby businesses.
Officers were first notified of explosions at a building in the Racine Road and Brydon Drive area, near Rexdale Blvd., around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police confirm the three-alarm fire happened at Cooper Equipment Rentals after propane tanks exploded in the unit, located at 40 Racine Road.
Toronto Fire Services tells CityNews crews were dispatched around 3:30 p.m., and adjacent buildings were evacuated. The fire is now under control, TFS says.
Video shared to CityNews by an employee of a nearby business in Rexdale, where a three-alarm fire forced the evacuation of the area. Photo: CityNews submission.
Fire chief Matthew Pegg joined crews in responding to the three-alarm fire. No injuries have been reported and first responders continue their work to contain the spread.
“The investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of this fire will commence once confirmed safe to do so,” Pegg said.
Toronto police are urging the public to stay away as evacuations continue.
Mayor John Tory took to social media to thank Toronto Fire, as well as paramedics and police who attended the scene on Tuesday.
Tory also confirming no injuries have been reported.
Thank you to @TorontoMedics and @TorontoPolice for their work as well on the response to this challenging and dangerous fire.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) June 21, 2022
Road closures were put in place as Racine Road is closed from Martin Grove Road to Kipling Avenue.
