What to know
- Toronto police are investigating an overnight restaurant fire near Eglinton Avenue West and Bathurst Street as a suspected arson.
- The blaze damaged two neighbouring businesses and displaced eight residents living above the building.
- Toronto Fire says the main body of the fire started in the basement and was brought under control quickly.
- Officials have not confirmed whether an explosion occurred, despite initial reports.
A suspected arson is under investigation after an overnight fire damaged several businesses near Eglinton Avenue West and Bathurst Street early Wednesday morning, according to Toronto police.
According to officials, the fire broke out inside a restaurant near Eglinton Avenue West and Bathurst Street shortly before 3 a.m.
Emergency crews responded to the scene around 2:43 a.m. after receiving reports of a possible explosion. Officials say the fire spread from the restaurant, damaging two neighbouring businesses and sending smoke throughout the building.
Toronto Fire said the main body of the fire was located in the restaurant’s basement and crews were able to bring it under control quickly. While police initially reported a possible explosion, Toronto Fire says it has not confirmed that one occurred.
Police are investigating the incident as a suspected arson. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
As a result of the blaze, eight residents were displaced from the apartments above the businesses. It remains unclear when they will be able to return to their homes.
Investigators are asking anyone with information, surveillance footage, dashcam video or cellphone recordings from the area to contact Toronto police as the investigation continues.
An investigation into the cause of the fire remains in its early stages. Toronto police have classified the incident as a suspected arson, though investigators have not yet released details about what led them to believe the blaze may have been deliberately set.
