City
6-Alarm Fire at Queen & Bathurst
Firefighters continue to battle a massive six-alarm blaze that is razing shops and apartments in the Queen and Bathurst area this morning. Over 50 fire vehicles have joined the fight. Early reports suggest that at least eight stores have burned, one unit has collapsed, and more structure appears to be on the verge of coming down. No injuries have been reported so far. Street closures in the surrounding area are affecting transit in a significant way (and this is where the TTC's service disruption web page fails miserably by not reporting major surface route delays).
CityTV reports that National Sound, Suspect Video, and Duke's Cycle are amongst the shops affected.
UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos after the jump...
UPDATE: More photos submitted...
Above three photos by Alex Russel.
Above four photos by Johnny Mad.
Above two photos by David Michael Lamb.
Above photo by Anil K.
Above photo by Complicity Theory.
Above two photos sent to blogTO by an anonymous reader.
Above two photos by tsaiware.
Above two photos by David Pritchard.
Above two photos by Rodrigo Bravo.
Above three photos by Nick Dupuis
Above two photos by wyliepoon
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Discussion
154 Comments
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John Piercy
As someone posted in the "Home Depot on Queen Street" post, it's convenient that this is taking place next door to the new Home Depot development.
I miss it already.
Hope everyone gets out safely, and all the store owners had insurance.
The photos are, well, scary for me. Now I'm seeing images of all of Toronto being covered by smoke.
A Benefit show should be set up to raise funds for those residents who lost their homes.
Suspect Video & National Sound will be missed...such a big part of Queen West.
bad thoughts, but after i got over the shock of the news the first thing that sprang to mind was "someone wanted those buildings out of the way for development" remember what happened to the old heritage building at richmond and john where festival hall is now? i'd be interested to see if any of the property owners had been denied zoning applications in the past year or two...
On the other hand these were old buildings that probably had very minimal upkeep. Something was bound to happen someday. It just looks suspicious that it happened now.
"Russell! Somebody's going to get hurt real bad."
"Chemical, biological and nuclear response teams are also preparing for a possible explosion, said Toronto Emergency Services spokesperson Lyla Miller."
um... what?
I've been to National Sound many times to peruse his selection of turntables & speakers. I always bought my stylus for my record player from him.
I really hope the record shop is still there.
I believe it's Cosmo records. Chris was always so helpful there. It breaks my heart to think about how much was lost in this fire.
Homes, memories, belongings, records, bikes, vintage electronics and history. So sad. I can't believe what's happened.
The Home Depot developers will not want to re-do their plans, and the city would never let them take that much of a stretch of Queen anyway, relax.
I remember talking about what would happen if a fire broke out in these buildings. All the attics are connected, so, the fire probably spread extremely quick.
I hope it wasn't arson. But if not arson, what? Stupidity (like falling asleep with a lit cigarette)? Or poor maintenance (faulty wiring)?
To my fellow EMS crews still responding. Stay safe!!
As for the drug lab, that's entirely possible - isn't a grow-op what caused the fire in Kensington not long ago?
Most of Toronto's old buildings seem to be poorly maintained so that sort of thing is almost inevitable. Then again, if I was wanting to sell a bunch of 'historic' buildings to a developer and didn't want to deal with the inevitable public outcry I'd likely rent the units out to the sketchiest characters I could find (by insisting on payments in cash, etc.) and let old wiring do the rest. Again, I'm not saying that's happened this time around.
It's so sad to see; I recently moved away from Toronto but used to hang around that area all the time and went past it nearly every day.
Posted by: ronnie robbins at February 20, 2008 9:35 AM
-Dude, you win the "Most Callously Insensitive Comment" award.
"Chemical, biological and nuclear response teams are also preparing for a possible explosion, said Toronto Emergency Services spokesperson Lyla Miller."
Well it's a smart response. If the fire touched Ghandi's there would be a chemical and possibly nuclear reaction.
Those Rotis are HOT!
If this turns out to be some corporate shit, man, hell hath no fury....
This is terrible news on all fronts, the residents who most certainly do not have insurance have likely lost all their possessions. The businesses too, they'll be really hard hit and take a ton of energy to recover - a benefit concert is a great idea, I'll do flyers, handbill, poster - my heart goes out to all those affected by this real tragedy.
These buildings were a part of the fabric of the city too --- DUKES --- for crying out loud
Dave
i don't think the issue is getting "pesky independent stores" out of the way - it's getting demolition permits/zoning changes (i.e. for more stories). mind you, the city doesn't seem to care one bit about heritage, if queen between john and augusta is any indication.
there was a huge spate of arson in montreal a number of years ago to clear the way for new development.
or you could do what u of t does, and leave heritage buildings boarded up until raccoons and pigeons do the dirty work for you.
My heart goes out to everyone that lost homes, businesses, jobs and possessions. Let's get on the benefit thing, stat!
And here most of you are talking about corporate sabotage. Honestly, try to gain some perspective here.
Every single time something like this happens people like you bring up that question and every single time it turns out to be wrong.
I know it would be nice to be able to blame big business for the destruction of a landmark neighbourhood. It would be much easier to accept that than to accept the thousand other, more likely reasons why it would have happened.
Try to hold off your blame game until more than six goddamn hours have passed.
if anybody's serious about getting a benefit together to support them, count me in...i'll make my own way there just for a chance to help out!
tom walsh, jazzmanisto
tombone@sympatico.ca
See, I'm amazed when people rush to defend corporations, you would get no such help from them.
Unless of course, you'd like to open up a charge account and pay for it...with hidden fees and interest...of course. Now, I'm not saying that's the case, but it is a possibility, and yes, people want answers when people's homes and businesses are destroyed because these things seem to get "swept under the rug and forgotten".
i was gunna buy a new pipe from jupitor next weekend
thats my favourite area in Toronto D:
so many memories T_T
RIP Queen & Bathurst <3
Refocus your energy and volunteer at the Trinity Bellwoods Community Centre or find a way to comfort those who lost their homes and businesses. The witch-hunt mentality isn't useful in the slightest.
"who do you think we're dealing with, Monty Burns, or perhaps Lex Luthor?"
Why do people always stupidly assume that everyone else has a moral or ethical compass similar to their own?? You seem to protest against even the IDEA of some sort of deliberate fire that might involve insurance or development. Well, in the real world, I mean, the one involving people OTHER than the friends you surround yourself with, these things aren't that abnormal.
Yes, Virginia, some people are MEAN and do awful things for money.
Grow up.
Regards.
Grow up indeed.
Does anyone know who owns the land the buildings sit on? Is it the city? Do the former occupants have any rights to it? In other words, can they rebuild on the same spot?
The Dukes were on the news talking about how they would rebuild.
What wouldn't be as surprising would be foul play on the part of the owners of one of the buildings on this stretch, as they would stand to benefit the most. I am not saying that is what happened, but of any foul play this seems to be the most likely.
By the way if anyone hears anything about the when electricity is being restored, please post. Thanks.
When I lost my home, one of the first things I had to face was speculation as to the cause of the fire, and the looming possibility of financial and legal repercussions. For the sake of those who have lost so much, please keep the speculation in dignified quiet. It's an opportunity to show respect and caring, not blame others and rant about our own bleak outlooks on the human condition. Be kind.
a Lot of people hated Dukes. a Lot of people hated Suspect. Not me necessarily, but a lot of people did. I've known people who were enemies with those businesses.
There was no meth lab around there, it's all apartments. The only place there's ever been a meth lab was above king sol, and it didn't burn...
I'm sad the dollar store burnt, that lady was SO nice. She lost everything. That is so terrible, what a great person she is. I think all the other business owners will be fine, but her I am concerned for.
Terrible thing to happen to a truly great neighbourhood.
However with queen st. recently becoming the outdoor eaton centre, that neighbourhood needs to prepare itself for a few rough years ahead. Keep it together Queen West.
Anyway Suspect was vacating next month due to bankruptcy.
* Preloved, a used clothing store,
* Juniper (sic), a head shop, <- i guess they mean the jupiter
* Suspect Video
* Duke's Cycle, the famous bicycle store,
* National Sound, which has stood for more than 50 years at the location.
* Furniture Room,
* Pizzaiolo,
* Old Times Antiques,
* Cosmos Records and
* Nikolaou Restaurant Supply.
ps: look for bricks for sale on craigslist. they will have thermate residue.
My thoughts go out to the residents, employees and business owners affected by this and of course to the TFD firefighters who do an amazing job every time. Brutal conditions to work in you gotta feel for them.
I for one also really loved that area...when I lived/played in that neighborhood I was ALWAYS in Duke Cycle... Great shop. Hope it comes back in one form or another.
Where is this coming from, anyway? There's no evidence for any of this. This is just paranoia, and in some ways wishful thinking, i mean, wouldn't it be great it we could just prove these people are as evil and ruthless as we like to think they are?
in any way to be in that neighbourhood in the first place.
The timing is kinda suspicious - the area being recently designated as a historical area... why? Not 100% sure, but likely as a deterrent to keep corporations from waving the rezoning wand so they can build their monstrosities.
Could the landlords have anything to do with this? Maybe.
But then again, it is really cold, someone's faulty heater could be the cause. Maybe a meth lab. Will the real truth ever come out?
Theories aside, my heart goes out to all the people this has displaced, and to Toronto. Gone is another piece of history that made it such a wonderful, unique, and loved city.
To the person who said they heard stuff from a TFS frequency, was it a meth lab for sure?
Look into this you'll be surprised
Just another block of victorian/gothic ugliness protruding on the stark landscape of the cold heart of Toronto;
A cancerous nipple on the breast of Canada.
If buildings that are designated as heritage sites burn down, then there should be a law forcing the land owners to build something similar in size and function to replace them. After all, if they stay standing then they are protected. Why should there be an "oops it burned down!" loophole that lets owners get rid of old buildings to make room for new developments? They get the insurance money AND a change of land use to something obviously more profitable.
Not saying that's what happened here but it sure does seem like quite a drastic (yet effective) way to skirt around the law. And if they wanted to put the "meth lab" spin on it, it wouldn't be too hard to plant some "evidence" near the spot that the fire was set to tip firefighters off.
Sure old buildings burn down because of accidents, but this whole thing just gives me the jibblies.
It was crazy. This morning I was out watching it and you could barely see anything because the smoke was so strong.
The word on the street is that the police were onto a Meth lab in one of the bulidings and so the druggies blew it up.
Its pretty sad, but I'm happy to know everybody's okay.
Right now Queen and Bathurst must be the safest intersection in Toronto. I was just out and there's TONS of cop cars, undercover cops and surveillance trucks.
Well, I'd say the first criminal act was the insurance companies refusing coverage to these people and telling them it's because they live in a "fire trap". If that were the case, it should have been on the landlord to bring them up to code.
It's like those Max. Capacity signs in clubs, they are there for a reason. People shouldn't be left without options like this. Some people paid a very high price today, and it's beyond sad.
While those who call the area home know nothing can restore the old buildings, the fact that it was a heritage district means something special will take its place.
"Whatever replaces it has to be done with architectural brilliance and hopefully the individual landowners will build what was there before, which was places where new businesses can start, generous apartments for families and they don't go too tall," muses Councillor Adam Vaughan. "So we have the zoning to control what gets rebuilt there, but the first priority is trying to save what's left of the heritage and make sure that we can build with that heritage."
____________________
it's understandable that people are upset and corporations make for easy targets, but really, blazing conspiracy theories aint gonna bring back what once stood. i think what's important right now is that we stand as a community to help those immediately affected by the fire.
the City knows we're all keeping a tight watch on the future of Queen West and if they are smart they'll know community engagement through the redevelopment phase is key...
anyway, please please if anyone come across events/funds set up or can use a helping hand in organizing, let us know!
I work in the claims dept for a large insurance company and i know for a fact that the max you will pay for 50K worth of contents is $35/month..
Also included in the price is additional living expenses during the time after the loss. (hotel .. Food etc)
Please please please....Renters...Purchase some kind of insurance to help you out in times like this !
I remember coming down to the Queen and Spadina to Queen and Bathurst strip when I was a kid. I now live at Queen and Bathurst and work at Queen and Spadina.
These buildings meant allot of things to allot of people and created a sense of community in a diverse neighborhood.
Instead of focusing on who to blame, lets refocus that energy on helping those people who lost everything but their lives today! Thankfully NO ONE died today and no pets did either!! Firefighters saved 3 Dogs and 2 Cats!
The Toronto Fire Department did a great job on containing this blaze. This could have spread a heck of alot more!
I am sure that the trinity bellwoods community and rec center will be helping out everyone in this area.
Trinity/Bellwoods Community Recreation Centre
155 Crawford Avenue
416-392-0743
It's amazing that the entire corner wasn't taken out.
I have warm memories of sitting outside of Duke's doors at 3am just hanging out with some good people in the summer times. This is a difficult loss for Toronto, but we MUST focus on helping those that have lost their homes, their belongings, their precious good.. where will they sleep tomorrow?
Open your hearts to them -- they really need us right now!
I look forward to hearing about the community centre opening their doors this week to everyone in need :)
Be strong - it could have been worse.
Thx - V
Posted by: Randy at February 20, 2008 11:02 PM
- Apparently Randy, some of those people DID try to get insurance, they were turned down because the building was a "fire trap". So. you may want to plead with the insurandce companies as to a reason why they refused those people...and how they can sleep at night now.
- You won't be doing that if a large retail store moves in, they'll have security/the cops on you for loitering. It won't be your neighborhood anymore.
I have never heard of contents insurance for tenants being refused due to the building being a "firetrap".
Perhaps for commercial coverages ..maybe..and that is a big MAYBE....as there are high risk carriers that will offer coverages.
None the less my heart goes out to those effected.
i hope not!
To all my friends who owned and lost their business' I will be thinking of you.
Ace
Businesses that have been around for years have recently closed around that area. Those actions state that there logically would be some mechanism behind these closings..
Keep an eye on this one...
I used to live on top of those stores years ago and I could not afford apt insurance because the insurance people said it was high risk for theft and fire so as a struggling artist I never shelled out for insurance. It breaks my heart that it is likely all the residents lost everything they owned in the middle of cold february.
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_19841.aspx
Anybody know how much of the remaining block of buildings will need to be torn down for structural safety concerns? What a horrible loss.
Duke's Cycle on facebook...
ps. I am glad your brothers are okay. I know them and the amount of equipment they had in the building, hope something can be done to help them get some of it back.
More details to come.
<a href="http://www.kevinsteele.com/110204_queenbathsouth.shtml";>http://www.kevinsteele.com/110204_queenbathsouth.shtml<;/a>
I would like to raise a few points....There was a meth lab, but the cause of the fire had nothing to do with the meth lab. Also that the findings to what caused the fire is undetermined and will probably take a few weeks to a couple of months to find what unfortunatly caused the fire.
I do not know if anyone remembers the other fire that also happened on Queen Street near Shereborne. The paint store that went up in flames. Well that was a seven alarm fire and the OFM are still trying to figure out what caused the fire there.
I find it ironic how the two different areas on Queen Street both go up in flames early in the morning, when there is no one around to see how they started or who was there when it started.
Anyways I hope that everyone who lost so much in the fire find a way to peice back their lives together. God Bless all of you and I hope that the OFM will come to a conclusion so the gossip about what is ironic and seems funny ends and people can move on with their lifes.
-RMAMSD-
I have some clothing that I would love to give to someone who lost everything in the fire. anyone intrested or know of anyone who needs it? it's free to take :) and it will keep you warm through the cold winter.
prayers and many thoughts
Dear Queen St. West Business Owners and Residents,
I was sorry to hear of the catastrophic damage you suffered in the recent fire. I have shopped at many of the stores that were impacted in your neighborhood. I work for a lighting company and I would like to help with the reconstruction, specifically lighting renovations.
Our company specializes in residential lighting fixtures. We have many styles to choose from and even some older discontinued models and samples that we would be willing to donate. Please see our website for more information and for a list of products available for donation please contact me.
Best wishes getting back on your feet.
Regards,
Ryan Clark
Sales and Marketing Support Ex. 31
Email: ryanclark@ramlighting.com
www.ramlighting.com
My name is Jonathan Ursini, co-founder of lovethatinterior.com
our website is currently giving away a $15,000.00 room package on July 1/08.*NO purchase neccassary*, all we need is your email to confirm. Spread the word:)
God bless our city
Jonathan Ursini
Funhaus is one of the lucky businesses on the North side of Queen West that was unscathed by the fire. It is now time to help our neighbours in the best way we can by doing what we do best; throwing a party to help raise funds. Funhaus puts the FUN in FUNdraiser.
Lets show Toronto how Queen Street can band together to help their own during this time of tragedy. Please bring donations of money for the Queen Street Relief Fund. Please note: we DO NOT need anymore clothing donations.
Please spread the word through emails, facebook, myspace, livejournal and newspapers.
Thursday March 6, 2008
Queen Street Fire Fundraiser
Funhaus - 526 Queen St West
9pm-3am 19+
http://www.djlazarus.com
Mainroom: DJ Lazarus, Dwight, DragNFly, & Woodstock (retro, electronic, alternative, britpop)
24 Ryerson Avenue, basement suite (416-703-1936)
Mon - Wed (by appointment)
Thurs - Friday (12-7pm)
Sat (12-6pm)
Even if you're not a regular customer, drop by and say hello to the gals with your words of encouragement and support. :)
Actually.. my friend's rabbit died and they don't know if their cat got out or not, the smoke was so thick that they couldn't find her and left the back door open in hopes she was able to find her way out.
You'd be surprised how fast something can get out of hand...
Arson... Meth lab... and all the other reasons people are giving... whatever... it was probably an accident... they do happen...
Very sad...