Early Monday morning, a dramatic incident unfolded at an Etobicoke fireworks store after a vehicle collided with the building, igniting a five-alarm blaze. The Toronto Fire Service responded to the emergency call just before 2 a.m., arriving at Phatboy Fireworks, situated in a commercial plaza near Albion Road and Highway 27.
Incident Overview
Upon their arrival, firefighters encountered a vacant vehicle that had crashed through the storefront. The fire erupted amidst “extensive smoke and flames,” presenting significant challenges for the crews. Robert Hewson, a division commander with Toronto Fire, noted that the store was filled with fireworks, complicating efforts to control the fire.
Firefighting Challenges
Firefighters faced an unusual situation as fireworks began to detonate, shooting out towards them while they attempted to extinguish the flames. This required teams to utilize aerial equipment for effective fire suppression. “It was definitely something outside of the box for us,” Hewson remarked, highlighting the uncommon circumstances of the incident.
Extent of Damage
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident. However, the fire caused damage to nearby businesses, initially classified as a four-alarm fire before being upgraded to five alarms due to its severity.
Investigation Underway
- Time of incident: Just before 2 a.m.
- Location: Phatboy Fireworks, near Albion Road and Highway 27
- Initial alarm classification: Four alarms, upgraded to five
- No reported injuries
The Toronto Fire Service will collaborate with the Toronto police to investigate the circumstances leading to the blaze at Phatboy Fireworks.
