Richview Transformer Fire Toronto

Massive cloud of smoke engulfs northwest Toronto

A four-alarm fire at Hydro One's Richview transformer near Pearson International Airport has created a massive black cloud of smoke that forced the temporary closure of the 401 this afternoon and has resulted in the evacuation of residents on nearby Longbourne Drive. So far the smoke has proven more visually dramatic than dangerous, but about 80 firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Power remains at the airport (some reports indicate through a generator), and though there are some road closures in the area, according to CP24, "Toronto Fire Services says the smoke isn't posing a health hazard to the public...it's believed that mineral oil that is used to cool transformers is fueling the blaze."

Here's a few photos of the scene from earlier today. We'll add more as they come in.

20110318-richview_transformer01-2.jpg20110318-richview_transformer01.jpg20110318-richview_transformer03.jpg

Lead photo by AshtonPal in the blogTO Flickr pool. Subsequent photos by Dennis Marciniak.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Ontario might have to wait another whole month for sizzling summer weather

Ontario high school kids are playing a viral TikTok game terrorizing locals

Someone sabotaged Toronto's most notorious speed camera and locals are fuming

This might just be the saddest 'dog play area' in all of Toronto

Public transit around Ontario is about to get way faster thanks to fancy new tech

Future of Toronto's bike share system on the rocks amid tension with City

Canada just got a flashy diamond-shaped coin and it'll make you feel broke

Toronto neighbourhood has had enough of pervasive pet poop problem