A massive six-alarm industrial fire in Etobicoke raged out of control overnight on Friday, requiring a response of over 100 firefighters and 30 vehicles from Toronto Fire.

Toronto Fire was called to 35 Vulcan Street, just northwest of the intersection of Highway 409 and Highway 27, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday morning. The building in question appears to be home to Brenntag Canada, a chemical distribution company.

🚨Breaking News🚨

The @Toronto_Fire operating at a 5th alarm on 📍Vulcan St in Etobicoke📍

Large chemical fire load with a ton of
Exposures including a lumber yard. #torontofire #toronto pic.twitter.com/jp2x6E02gq

— Kyle.Taylor (@livingbyyyz) August 11, 2023

Fire crews report that the blaze broke out in trailers adjacent to the building before spreading to the structure via an explosion of undetermined cause.

A few raw images from the scene of the 5-alarm fire on Vulcan St. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/Zwq1gNLeYc

— Toronto Fire Services (@Toronto_Fire) August 11, 2023

Toronto Fire battled the fierce blaze overnight, expressing particular concern for "thousands of litres of lubricants" located in an adjacent lumber yard.

The blaze was initially described as "out of control," however, Toronto Fire is reporting success from the scene, and the wall of dark smoke appears to have thinned out as the Friday morning rush begins.

Operations continue at a 5-alarm fire on Vulcan St. Large quantity of smoke in the surrounding area. Please keep windows closed as a precaution if downwind from this incident and avoid the area. Thank you. ^dv #Toronto pic.twitter.com/ppowlQFK9K

— Toronto Fire Services (@Toronto_Fire) August 11, 2023

Toronto Fire Deputy Chief Jim Jessop told media that "This is going to be a long day for all the men and women of the emergency services of the City of Toronto."

Crews do not expect they will be able to enter the burnt-out building at 35 Vulcan for some time as flare-ups continue.

In the meanwhile, emergency services warn local residents and businesses to keep windows closed and shelter in place as smoke continues to choke the area.

This is what I see from my place I hope everyone stays safe 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/h7pmYJhxhG

— Christine Boomhour (@Osheafan) August 11, 2023

Six-alarm blazes are somewhat rare in Toronto, though there have been a few notable instances in recent years.

In 2008, a pair of six-alarm fires made headlines, including a fire near Queen and Bathurst that involved more than 150 respodnig firefighters, and, more notably, the Sunrise propane explosion that killed one and displaced thousands.

In 2011, a six-alarm blaze (later determined arson) tore through the historic Empress Hotel at 335 Yonge. The building was later demolished, and the site has since been used as an outdoor market.

A 2014 six-alarmer at Foamco near Dufferin Road and Eglinton Avenue West drew a response from at least 40 fire trucks and 120 firefighters.

The most recent six-alarm fire occurred in 2019, when a blaze broke out at York Memorial Collegiate Institute.