Three rescued from burning Queen West apartment, 1 in critical condition

Most residents have now been allowed back into their units. No word yet on the extent of damages or what caused the fire.

Three people have been injured, including a man in his 40s who is fighting for his life, after a fire broke out overnight at a supportive housing building in Toronto’s west end.

Toronto police say emergency crews were called to a apartment building near Queen Street West and Sorauren Avenue at around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday for reports of a “working fire” and found three victims inside.

They later told CTV News Toronto that a male in his 40s has life-threatening injuries, while a female (unknown age) and a third victim, whose age and gender have not been released, have non-life threatening injuries.

Speaking to CP24 on scene, Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Thomas Verhaeghe said crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames and quickly upgraded the call to a second alarm.

“Crews first encountered heavy black smoke and flames upon arrival, the call was upgraded to a second alarm. Upon arrival, they did rescue three occupants from the building, and they had the fire knocked down pretty quick,” he said.

Firefighters also rescued three people from inside the unit.

“They were found in the hallway, first floor,” Verhaeghe added.

The fire was later brought under control but officials say there is still more work to be done.

“We’ll be doing fire watch and fire investigators will be working throughout the day to figure all the cause of the fire,” said Verhaeghe, who praised paramedics for their response.

“I’d just like to thank Toronto Paramedic Services for their speedy response.”

Fire Chief Jim Jessop is also offering his gratitutude in a post on X.

“Crews carried out heroic rescues, saving three people. One individual sustained critical injuries. Grateful for the strong teamwork with Toronto Polcie Service and Toront Paramedic Services,” he wrote.

Tenants displaced by fire

The building that caught fire is managed by the Parkdale Activity Recration Centre (PARC).

In a statement posted on Linkedin, the organization confirmed that a “serious” fire occurred early Sunday morning at one of its residences at 1501 Queen St. W.

“Security immediately contacted emergency services who were quick respond with PARC staff on site soon after to address the needs of tenants,” it wrote, thanking everyone who has reached out to PARC with their concern.

“Thank you so much to Toronto Emergency Services - all the staff members who have been on site all day working to support tenants.”

The organization said one of the people taken to the hospital has now been discharged, while another individual remains there in critical condition.

Police have said a third person was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre said six tenants displaced from the building due to the fire are staying in a hotel, as it awaits confirmation from Toronto Fire Services when others forced to leave the building can safely return home.

“Food cards and TTC have been distributed to all tenants who require assistance and we have encouraged all who were affected to stay and use the drop in,” it said.

The cause of the fire is unclear, PARC noted, adding that it is working with Toronto fire to determine how it started.

“Our priority remains supporting those affected by the fire and working closely with emergency services to ensure tenant safety and wellbeing,” said PARC.

The Office of the Fire Marshal is now on scene and investigating the cause and origin of the fire.