Firefighters battle massive fire at industrial site in north Etobicoke – Toronto

Toronto fire says firefighters are battling a large six-alarm fire that is currently out of control at an industrial site in north Etobicoke on Friday.

Crews were called to Vulcan Street, near Martin Grove and Belfield roads, just after 1 a.m.

Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop told reporters on Friday morning that the fire is still not under control and it is a “full hazardous materials response.” He said just after 8 a.m. they expect to have the fire under control in a few hours.

Jessop said the site is a factory or business that contains thousands of litres of oil, transmission fuel and solvents.

Large flames were seen earlier in the night, which had changed over to thick black smoke billowing from the site.

Several explosions were also heard, including gas tanks that were inside and vehicles, Jessop said.

The fire was upgraded from a five-alarm to a six-alarm response level at the height of the fire. Jessop said more than 100 firefighters, police and paramedics assisted with controlling the fire.

“It’s one of the more significant fires that we have seen in the city in the last number of years,” Jessop said.

Jessop advised residents to close their windows. Crews are monitoring the air quality.

All businesses in the area have been closed or evacuated by Toronto police, Jessop said.

No injuries have been reported to civilians or firefighters.

A number of streets in the area have been shut down and Jessop said given the size, complexity and materials inside the building crews will be there 24 to 48 hours.

The Ministry of Environment and the Office of the Fire Marshal have been called in to investigate.

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