Fire in Thorncliffe Park complexes now contained; timeline for residents unclear

A fire in the walls of two neighbouring apartment complexes in Thorncliffe Park has been extinguished, according to city officials, but it remains unclear when residents will be able to return home.

The five-alarm fire broke out on Nov. 27 at 11 Thorncliffe Park, and eventually spread to a neighbouring building at 21 Overlea Blvd. High carbon monoxide levels were detected, prompting the evacuation of both buildings.

Residents at 11 Thorncliffe Park Drive and 21 Overlea Boulevard were informed on Monday night that “firefighting suppression operations have concluded.”

“The fire has been fully extinguished,” Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said at a press conference on Tuesday morning. “It was a combination of all activities that led to the final and successful resolution.”

Jessop acknowledged that there will be units “with significant damage.” Officials provided no timeline for when residents can return to their homes, as they will receive direct communication from their property management company regarding next steps.

A return to occupancy will happen in stages as determined by the two property management firms.

“I must state that there still is a great deal of work required to make the building safe for re-occupancy,” said Kamal Gogna, Toronto Building’s Interim Chief Building Official and Executive Director. “We expect damage in the units to vary substantially. That is why not all units will be ready for occupancy at the same time.”

Nearly 400 residents have been living out of hotels since the evacuation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jessop said fire crews will maintain a presence at the property in the coming days for further assessment.