Large East York fire sends 2 firefighters to the hospital, displaces 6 residents

A large house fire in Toronto's east end sent two firefighters to hospital with unknown injuries and prompted the evacuation of nearby homes.

Fire crews remain at the scene of a large fire in East York that sent two firefighters to the hospital and displaced six residents on Monday evening.

The blaze broke out at a residence on Yardley Avenue, which is in the Topham Park neaighbourhood near Victoria Park and St. Clair avenues, just before 6 p.m.

It was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm incident and nearby homes were evacuated.

Toronto fire said crews arrived at 118 Yarley and were met with heavy smoke and flames, which quickly spread to neighbouring homes.

They also said that a car in a driveway also caught fire.

Speaking with CP24 from the scene, Toronto fire Platoon Chief Randy Smith said the “fast-moving” fire erupted in a bungalow and spread to an adjoining one. And although the two dwellings are separated by a driveway, the fire spread through a garage, he explained.

Smith added that crews were faced with the challenge of battling fires at both homes at the same time.

He said the two affected houses are now “unliveable.”

Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital after being injured while working to douse the blaze. Smith described their injuries as “minor” in nature.

The platoon chief said the affected residents self-evacuated, which he noted was due in at least one case to working smoke alarms.

“It’s a really good reminder that working smoke alarms in this case literally saved lives,” he said, adding that about 70 personnel, along with support, attended this call.

Firefighters continue to keeping watch for any hot spots.

Resident Dave Breau, a TTC employee, said he received a call at work late this afternoon from his wife letting him know that their long-time home had caught fire and that he needed to come home right away.

“I’m shaken up obviously, but, you know, I’m just glad (my wife and kids are) safe,” he told CP24 on Monday night.

“I’m glad the two firefighters are alright and my thanks goes out to Toronto police and Toronto fire for everything that they did tonight. I hope my neighbours are alright too.”

Breau said they’ll deal with what has happened “one step at a time,” adding that at this point they expect to be out of their home for at least 12 to 24 hours and then they’ll discuss next steps with the insurance provider.

“My understanding is that everything inside is toxic and is basically written off, so from there it’s just a matter of seeing what the insurance is saying,” he said.

“Things can be replaced. It’s more about the people, the pets.”

Toronto police are advising drivers of delays in the area and are urging them to use alternate routes as Yardley is currently closed between Victoria Park and Barron Avenue.