An abandoned building in Riverside was destroyed after a large fire broke out Wednesday night. Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop said crews got several calls shortly after 9:30 p.m. for a structure fire at 2 Matilda St., east of the Don Valley Parkway. “Upon arrival, we were met with heavy, heavy flames and fire coming out through the roof,” Jessop said. “It was quickly escalated to a third alarm.” The chief said northbound DVP and portions of Queen Street and Dundas Street had to be closed to allow crews to surround the building and fight the fire. “We will be on site all night. The bulk of the fire has been knocked down. We have had a number of collapses of the wall and the ceiling, and we are continuing to deal with hot spots,” Jessop said. No injuries have been reported at this time. Jessop said crews had yet to search the building, as it was still unsafe. The building, which used to house a live event space and a coffee company, has been vacant for years, the chief said. The cause, origin and circumstances of the fire are under investigation.
