Hundreds of Toronto residents remain displaced from their homes as firefighters continue battling a stubborn blaze that has been smouldering within the walls of two Thorncliffe Park highrise buildings for multiple days.
Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions
Toronto Fire Services have been working tirelessly since Thursday, November 27, 2025, to extinguish a fire that has proven particularly difficult to control. The blaze is located between the walls of two connected apartment buildings at 11 Thorncliffe Park Drive and 21 Overlea Boulevard, feeding on insulation material trapped within the confined spaces.
Acting Division Commander Robert Hewson described the situation as particularly challenging during a Saturday press conference at the scene. "I would describe it as a smouldering fire in a very tight, confined space," Hewson told reporters. "And it is still burning and smouldering in there. We will not have visibility on it."
Mass Evacuation and Community Impact
The persistent fire prompted the complete evacuation of both residential towers, affecting all 408 apartment units. Officials have confirmed that more than 100 displaced residents have been provided temporary accommodation in nearby hotels through coordinated efforts between the City of Toronto and the Red Cross.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow visited the affected area on Saturday, expressing sympathy for the displaced families. "My heart goes out to all of the residents that had to leave their homes last night," Chow stated. "We are here for you. You are not alone."
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
While carbon monoxide levels have decreased according to fire officials, the blaze continues to burn in hard-to-reach areas between the walls. Authorities have been unable to provide any timeline for when residents might safely return to their homes.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under active investigation, though preliminary assessments suggest the blaze may have started due to an electrical issue. Fire crews remain on scene monitoring the four-alarm fire and working to completely extinguish the stubborn flames that have proven resistant to conventional firefighting methods.
The Toronto Fire Services continues to provide updates via social media, including posting images of the ongoing operation at the residential high-rise complex near Thorncliffe Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard.
