Fire on Queen West
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/305207
Feb 20, 2008 09:43 AM
EMILY MATHIEU
PAOLA LORIGGIO
BRETT POPPLEWELL
STAFF REPORTERS
One building has collapsed and another appears about to as firefighters struggle to control a massive six-alarm blaze in the city’s west end this morning.
The fire broke out in a three-storey building near Queen and Bathurst Sts. at around 5 a.m.
It quickly spread to a block of adjacent low-rise buildings, made up of first-floor storefronts and upper-level apartments to encompass about 14 or 15 buildings on the south side of Queen St. W between Bathurst St. and Ryerson Ave, said Toronto fire chief Bill Stewart.
So far, only minor injuries have been treated. Official's main concern for people is smoke inhalation.
More than 30 emergency vehicles have been called to the area, including about 150 emergency workers.
Chemical, biological and nuclear response teams are also preparing for a possible explosion, said Toronto Emergency Services spokesperson Lyla Miller. An emergency shelter has been set up at 155 Crawford St.
Standing on the corner of Queen and Bathurst Sts. was Justine Duke, the great-granddaughter of the founder of Duke’s Cycle, a Queen West fixture since 1914. Duke stood watching as plumes of smoke obscured what was left of her family’s business.
“Anyone who has ever ridden a cycle in the city knows Duke,†she said. "We’re just heartbroken right now.â€
Flames were still visible inside buildings around 9 a.m. as firefighters shot water into the buildings – some of them already gutted – and ice quickly formed on the street in the –11 C weather.
Firefighters will be on scene for most of the day and continue a fire watch throughout the night.
“We lost a piece of Toronto history, and its incredible,†Stewart said, coughing on smoke as he spoke to reporters.
Michael Cramwell, general manager of Duke’s Cycle, woke to a call around 6 a.m. and rushed to the scene.
He said the store just received new inventory and was gearing up for its biggest season ever. “I don’t think the shock will sink in for a while.â€
Inside a nearby variety store, Shumin Noel, the owner of Dollar and More at 633 Queen St. W., was pacing and speaking to a friend on the phone.
“It’s cold, so cold out there, but I want to see what’s happening,†she said frantically to her friend as she peered out the window, shaking her hands to get them warm.
Noel lived in an apartment above the store. She was awoken around 5 a.m. when the fire started and had time to bundle her two children, ages 6 and 16, into warm clothing and get them out the door.
However, Noel said they escaped with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
“This is everything I have, trust me,†she said.
“I have money in the cash register,†she added. “All my ID, everything, is inside.â€
Firefighters have been so busy trying to put down the fire that they haven’t yet determined the fire’s cause. Ontario’s Fire Marshal will investigate.
All Bathurst and Queen streetcars are being diverted through the area and will be delayed until the area is cleared. Road closures include Queen St. W., between Tecumseth St. and Augusta Ave., and Bathurst St., between Adelaide St. and Dundas St. W.
TTC buses have been called into the area to shelter residents of evacuated buildings.
As the smoke drifted toward the financial district, Miller warned the public to ensure that sources of workplace ventilation aren't compromised.
With files from Emma Reilly and Tamsyn Burgmann