Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Firefighters have extinguished a fire on the roof of a commercial building in downtown Toronto that’s believed to have caused an explosion on Friday evening.
The fire was located on Richmond Street W. near John Street at a building under construction, Toronto firefighters and police said.
The fire resulted in “ruptured propane cylinders, heavy flames and thick smoke,” Toronto Fire Services said in a social media post on Friday. No one was injured.
“Crews protected the remaining cylinders and have extinguished the fire,” the fire department said.
Emergency crews were called to the area shortly after 6 p.m. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the building before fire crews arrived.
Police said they had received information that items could be exploding and debris may be falling onto the street below.
The fire was upgraded to a second alarm and crews fought the fire from another building. Crews remain on scene to ensure there are no hot spots.
Police said at about 7:30 p.m. that road closures remain in effect.
Richmond Street W. is closed between Peter and Duncan streets and John Street is closed between Queen Street W. and Richmond Street W. Motorists are urged to continue to use alternate routes.
Pedestrian traffic is also restricted in the area, police say.
An image taken from a video of the fire at height of its flames is shown here. (Submitted by Kevin Conibear)