Updated continuously.
A MAJOR FIRE BROKE OUT AT 5 AM THIS MORNING in Toronto, Ontario, in the area of Queen and Portland Streets.
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CityNews TV
The fire, encouraged by high winds, has gone to 6 full alarms so far. It started in a store on Portland Queen St. and has spread to several other buildings.
One early report says that the occupancies are 2- and 3-story buildings with shops on street level and apartments on the upper floor. FF’s have had to make several rescues.
CityNews reported a partial collapse at 7:30 am. So far, no reports of any injuries and all occupants appear to have escaped.
“We had to pull vehicles back because the walls were beginning to buckle. We’re going be here for most of the day. At one point it was totally out of control. We’re surrounding the building,” Chief Bill Stewart said.
“Primary and secondary searches have been done. People were hanging out of the windows when we arrived on scene shortly after 5am. People were extricated from the building and a secondary search was done.”
Firefighters evacuated people from the entire block.
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CBC has an early VIDEO REPORT. (QuickTime required)
Updates will continue to follow.
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CTV
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Toronto Star
Update, 12 noon:
The fire was contained at 10:30 this morning, however several small fires remain to be extinguished. The FD says that they expect to be on the scene for the rest of today and into the evening.
One of the several businesses that was destroyed was Duke’s Cycle, a bicycle shop that had been in business there since 1914.
The Toronto Star has the latest update HERE.
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Toronto Star
The Star also has a good VIDEO HERE.
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CNS photos
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