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\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nToronto police and fire officials are investigating an overnight blaze in the Eglinton Avenue West and Bathurst Street area, where a fire inside a restaurant spread smoke through the building and damaged neighbouring businesses early Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
Emergency crews were called to the scene around 2:43 a.m. after reports of a fire and possible explosion inside the restaurant. When officers arrived with Toronto Fire Services (TFS), they found heavy smoke pouring from the rear of the building and a significant fire burning in the basement.<\/p>\n
District Chief John Pagnotta said the main body of the fire was located in the basement and was brought under control \u201cpretty quickly.\u201d Smoke travelled through the building, prompting occupants in the residential units above to self\u2011evacuate.<\/p>\n
Eight people were displaced, though all have places to stay, Pagnotta said. It remains unclear when residents will be able to return home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis morning we woke up [to the sound] of an explosion,\u201d one woman who was displaced by the fire told Breakfast Television. \u201cWe felt the explosion. As soon as we opened the door, we smelled the smoke coming from downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Toronto Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the day conducting fire watch and checking for hotspots.<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot stay in my unit for 24 hours, so I am staying at my neighbour\u2019s place right now,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n
While police initially reported an explosion inside the restaurant, Toronto Fire says crews cannot confirm that information at this stage of the investigation. Two adjacent businesses sustained damage, and no injuries have been reported.<\/p>\n
Toronto police say the fire is being investigated as a suspected arson, and detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with cellphone video, dashcam footage, or surveillance recordings from the area to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers.<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\tEmergency crews were called to the scene at Eglinton Avenue West and Bathurst Street around 2:43 a.m. after reports of a fire and possible explosion inside the restaurant. Photo: CityNews. <\/p>\n
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