A residential fire in northwest Toronto on Thursday morning resulted in two people being hospitalized and has prompted a police investigation into a potential connection to an electric bicycle.
Early Morning Blaze in Keelsdale
Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a residential building on Eglinton Avenue West near Keele Street in the Keelsdale neighbourhood shortly after 5:30 a.m. on December 18, 2025. Toronto Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, which was located in a second-floor unit of the three-story building.
Injuries and Displacement
Two women were transported to hospital with minor injuries following the incident. The fire also led to the temporary displacement of residents from the building. To provide shelter from the cold, a TTC bus was brought to the scene to accommodate those affected. The fire's aftermath caused significant disruption, with Eglinton Avenue West closed in both directions for several hours before reopening around 8 a.m.
E-Bike Under Investigation
While the official cause remains under investigation, early reports from the scene point to a potential issue with an e-bike. One resident told media that an e-bike battery allegedly exploded, sparking the fire. Police confirmed that a burned e-bike was removed from the unit and is part of the ongoing investigation to determine the precise origin of the blaze.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in personal mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, especially when charged or stored improperly in multi-unit dwellings.
