Residents of the building at 200 Wellesley Street, site of a six-alarm fire on Friday night, will not be able to return to their homes tonight. An official from the Ontario Fire Marshall's office explained at press conference this afternoon that "due to the severity of the fire, there's been a lot of structural damage" to the building. Because of this, he continued, investigators "have not been able to get into the unit of origin."

Repairs are scheduled to begin later today or tomorrow morning, which it's hoped will allow fire officials to get a better sense of the structural safety of the building. Once this has been determined, a more certain time line for the return of the residents to their units will be forthcoming.

For those looking to help those who have been displaced, there's useful information on the City of Toronto website, which I've also pasted below.

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In response to the six-alarm fire on September 24, 2010 at 200 Wellesley Street, the City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing are working together to coordinate donations from members of the public.

The City has set up a bank account to accept monetary donations. Cheques should be made out to the City of Toronto, 200 Wellesley St. E. fire. The donation is tax deductible. Donors should include their full name and address in order to receive a tax receipt. Cheques can be dropped off to City staff at the Wellesley Community Centre at 495 Sherbourne St, or mailed to the Toronto Office of Partnerships, Metro Hall, First Floor, 55 John Street, Toronto ON M5V 3C6.

Gift cards for grocery, department and drug stores are also being accepted.

Donations of cheques, gift cards and clothing are being accepted at 519 Church Street.

Items most needed include: new underwear and socks for men and women regular and plus sizes; gently used outside clothing (jackets etc.); older boys clothing; blankets and towels; school supplies; back packs; toiletries; and shoes. Baby clothes and furniture are not a high priority at this time.

Drop off and pickup hours at 519 Church Street:

Sunday 12 noon - 5pm
Monday to Friday 9 am - 9pm
Weekends 10 am - 5pm

Residents of 200 Wellesley can pick up donated items at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St) and the U of T Exam Centre (255 McCaul St). Residents are asked to bring their yellow registration card.