Officials say it’s too soon to tell when some 1, 200 residents will be able to return home to their Wellesley Street homes that were devastated by fire Friday evening.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is in the preliminary stages of its investigation and it may be months before the final cause of what exactly sparked the massive 6 alarm blaze is determined.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is currently trying to determine the extent of water, electrical and structural damage done to the building before it is safe fore residents to return.
However, it has been revealed the fire started on the 24th floor of 200 Wellesley St. East, in the unit of what’s been described as a “hoarder.”
So far, many of those left homeless have been staying at the Wellesley St. Community Centre.
Teams from both Toronto Community Housing and the Red Cross are working diligently to help residents access medicine, food and proper accommodations.
The building has 711 units and housed 1700 people in all.
Friday’s fire sent 14 people to hospital including three children and a baby just a month old. Three of the people are suffering from very serious injuries. In addition, three firefighters were also taken to hospital and as many as 10 were being treated for heat exhaustion.
Toronto Mayor David Miller has called on the city for a community response to help those left homeless, so the city has set-up an account for anyone looking to make a donation.
If you would like to help, cheques should be made out to The City of Toronto, 200 Wellesley Fire. They can either be dropped at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.) or sent to the Toronto Office of Partnerships Metro Hall, First Floor, 55 John Street, Toronto ON M5V 3C6.
Of course, gifts of other kinds are also welcomed. If you have any new or gently used clothing, it can be dropped off at 519 Church St. The residents are in particular need of: new underwear and socks, both regular and plus sizes, jackets or hats, older boys' clothing, blankets and towels, school supplies, back packs, toiletries, and shoes.
Gift cards for grocery, drug and department stores are also much appreciated.