A woman is fighting for her life after being discovered on fire inside a tent at an encampment in south Etobicoke on Tuesday morning, according to emergency officials.
Toronto Paramedic Services responded to the scene on December 2, 2025, after receiving reports of a person on fire. Crews arrived to find a woman with severe, life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to a trauma centre in critical condition.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
The incident occurred at a homeless encampment, a visible sign of the ongoing housing crisis in Canada's largest city. Details about what ignited the fire were not immediately released by authorities. Toronto Fire Services also attended the scene to extinguish the blaze and ensure the area was safe.
The event underscores the perilous living conditions faced by individuals residing in makeshift shelters, especially as winter sets in across the Greater Toronto Area. Tents and temporary structures often lack heating, proper electrical connections, and fire safety measures, creating significant risk.
Broader Context of Encampment Safety
This tragic event highlights the ongoing and complex issue of homelessness and encampments in Toronto and many other Canadian cities. Fires in such settings are a known hazard, with previous incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for more safe, permanent housing solutions and enhanced support services to address the root causes of homelessness, arguing that clearing encampments without providing viable alternatives does not solve the underlying crisis.
The investigation into the exact cause of Tuesday's fire is ongoing. The woman's identity has not been released.
