Fire crews are battling a huge blaze at a building in downtown Toronto with reports of explosions sending debris into the street below.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing across the skyline on Friday evening and forcing emergency crews to lock down surrounding streets.
Firefighters raced to contain the intense blaze near Richmond Street West and John Street as witnesses described bursts of flames shooting skyward, with what appeared to be explosions captured on aerial footage.
Toronto police confirmed the alarming reports in real time, warning the public that the situation was volatile. Police confirmed the presence of propane cylinders in the fire zone.
‘Information received that items are possibly exploding and debris may be falling onto the street below,’ police said in a post on social media.
The fire was first reported shortly after 6pm, quickly escalating into a dramatic scene as flames tore across the roof of the structure, a building which is still under construction.
Images from above showed a raging inferno consuming the top of the building, with thick, dark smoke pouring into the evening sky, visible from blocks away.
At one point, aerial footage appeared to capture a sudden flare-up resembling an explosion, with flames surging upwards. The building was said to be under construction.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing across the skyline on Friday evening forcing emergency crews to lock down surrounding streets
A massive rooftop fire at a downtown Toronto construction site sparked reports of explosions, sending flames and thick black smoke into the sky
Firefighters remain on scene battling the flames, focusing on preventing the fire from spreading further
Authorities moved swiftly to secure the area.
Police shut down Richmond Street West between Peter and Duncan streets, warning both drivers and pedestrians to stay clear as falling debris posed a potential hazard. .
Despite the intensity of the fire and the reports of possible explosions, officials said there were no confirmed injuries.
Firefighters remain on scene battling the flames, focusing on preventing the fire from spreading further to nearby buildings in the densely packed downtown area.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
