Fire at midtown homes causes estimated $1M in damage

Damage is estimated at around $1 million following a four-alarm fire at two semi-detached homes in midtown Toronto.

The fire broke out at Edith Drive, in the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area, around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Investigators determined that the fire, which was not deemed suspicious, started in the chimney.

Toronto Fire officials said firefighters were hampered by cold weather, windy conditions and overhead wires.

“Crews had a really tough time last night, mainly because of the cold,” Capt. Joe McCarron said on Thursday morning.

“Crews were also hindered by all the overhead wires. They couldn’t get aerial ladders up.”

McCarron said when crews arrived, the fire was not visible to them and within minutes, “it was coming out all of the eaves.” It quickly grew from three-alarm to four-alarm.

Firefighters also couldn’t get their ladders up the stairs since they’re at a 90-degree angle.

McCarron said all these obstacles “made it difficult to get a good start on the fire,” adding that “it was a tough fire to put out.”

He also said some of their equipment remains encased in ice.

No injuries were reported, but two families are currently displaced.

It’s not yet known whether smoke alarms were working.

Fire officials are reminding home owners to keep their chimneys clean.