Rooftop rescue in College-Ossington fire
Two people escaped a three-storey building at College Street and Ossington Avenue after flames engulfed its top floor yesterday afternoon.
Firefighters, answering the three-alarm call at about 3:15 p.m. on April 26, found the commercial building at the northwest corner of the intersection ablaze, with dark smoke and heavy flame pouring from its upper windows, said District Chief Stephan Powell.
“One person jumped from the third floor to a second-floor roof and had to be rescued from there,” Powell said. They were treated for mild smoke-inhalation.
Someone also walked out the front door of the building of their own accord, Powell said.
Scene of a 3-alarm residential fire at College St/Ossington Ave. yesterday. TO firefighters rescued one occupant & worked hard to contain the fire from spreading. Thoughts are with the displaced and affected. Thankfully, no serious injuries. pic.twitter.com/mrM5k4jObg #Toronto
— Toronto Firefighters (@TPFFA) April 27, 2021
The fire was well under control by 5:30 p.m., Powell said, though firefighters are still on the scene to monitor the site and to investigate.
No serious injuries were reported.
A few photos from the scene of yesterday’s 3-alarm fire. Please check out some fire safety tips to keep you and yours safe: https://t.co/C8ipmxysv2 Stay safe everyone. ✌️ (📷 @livingbyyyz) #Toronto pic.twitter.com/OAPQ6vBV6d
— Toronto Firefighters (@TPFFA) April 27, 2021
It is believed the fire started on the third floor, though its cause and the extent of the damage will not be known until after the investigation currently underway, Powell said.
The building, which wraps around the northwest corner of College and Ossington, is mainly two storeys high except right at the corner where it rises to three storeys. A Money Mart was located on the ground floor at 834 College St. until recently but the space is now for lease.
