Authorities in Toronto have arrested a suspect in connection with a significant fire that swept through the ninth floor of an apartment building in North York. The incident forced two individuals to be hospitalized.
Emergency crews rushed to 1420 Victoria Park Ave. near O’Connor Drive and Eglinton Avenue East after receiving reports of a two-alarm fire just before 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered thick black smoke in the ninth-floor hallway, resulting in extensive damage to the area and the displacement of residents from around 18 units.
In total, five individuals received medical attention at the scene, with two elderly women being transported to the hospital. One woman sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries.
Authorities revealed that initial findings from the investigation indicate that the fire was deliberately set on the ninth floor by a male suspect who then fled the scene.
Herbert Ward, aged 62 and without a fixed address, was apprehended and is facing charges including arson, endangering others, and disobeying court orders.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop commended the swift and courageous response of the first responders, emphasizing that their prompt actions likely prevented more serious consequences.
Chief Jessop highlighted the extensive damage caused by the fire to the ninth floor, rendering it uninhabitable for an extended period. However, he noted that the fire door separated the towers effectively, containing the blaze and minimizing damage to the north side.
This incident marks the second fire at the same Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) building in recent days, following a fatal blaze on June 28. Chief Jessop clarified that there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents.