275 Bleecker Street

March 14 Fire

At around 6:22pm this evening, Toronto Fire Services responded to the report of a fire at 275 Bleeker on the 6th floor. The fire was extinguished and contained to the unit of origin. There are no reports of injuries to occupants or responding emergency personnel. TFS has ventilated the building and there is no further risk to public safety. No residents have been displaced. The investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of the fire has now commenced.

I will provide updates as they are available here.

I will also be meeting with Chief Jessop and the TCHC CEO in the next few days to ensure an education campaign and plan is in place to do as much as we can to ensure future fires are prevented.

Update as of 11:00am, February 25, 2025

As of Sunday evening, all but one of the 6th floor tenants have returned to their units, with the exception being the unit where the fire started. The remaining unit will need to undergo significant repairs.

We hope that everyone is recovering and has the support the need for their lives to return to normalcy. We look forward to learning more about the cause of the fire once Toronto Fire Services has finished their investigation.

Update as of 5:00pm, February 21, 2025

Toronto Police and Toronto Fire concluded their investigation on February 20th, 2025. The cause of the fire, which originated from one unit, is still under investigation. Once determined, Toronto Community Housing will take the appropriate measures.

Toronto Community Housing is currently conducting Risk and Insurance inspections before residents can return to their units. As such, hotel stays for displaced residents will be extended until Toronto Community Housing receives clearance to begin the process of moving residents back into their homes. The tentative timeline for this is the week of February 23 - 28th. 

If you require further information or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to assist and connect you with appropriate resources. 

Update as of 4:00pm, February 16, 2025

The 6th floor of 275 Bleecker Street remains evacuated. All 14 households on floor 6 have been provided food, shelter and medication. 

TCHC is in direct contact with all families on the 6th floor, and will work with them to allow them access to their units to retrieve personal belongings when feasible. All of these households will be hand delivered gift cars to go towards transportation, clothing and toiletries.

Update as of 6:00pm, February 15, 2025

In the aftermath of the fire this morning, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is working to manage the situation. Seventeen individuals, including five police officers, were transported to the hospital, while another 30 residents were assessed on-site by paramedics.

The 6th floor has been secured by TCHC security and police, and residents of this floor will be unable to return home for at least a week. TCHC has arranged temporary accommodations for these residents, ensuring they have hotel stays and gift cards to meet their immediate needs.

The remaining residents are now allowed to return to their units, with the building's Fire and Life Safety Systems operational, except for the 6th floor. Toronto Fire Services (TFS) will maintain a presence at the scene for the next 24 hours for a fire watch.

The investigation into the fire's origin, cause, and circumstances has begun in a joint effort by Toronto Fire, Police, and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM). Staff will be going door-to-door to provide timely updates as well as to provide additional information. 

Update as of 2:00pm, February 15, 2025

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) has provided my office with some additional information about the fire at 275 Bleecker Street.

TFS responded to a report of fire at 275 Bleecker Street just after 10:30am. The firefighters were met with heavy heat, flames and smoke, and the fire was subsequently escalated to a three-alarm fire. 

TFS rescued a number of occupants from balconies with aerial ladders. The fire has been extinguished and the investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances has commenced between TFS, Toronto Police Services and the Office of Emergency Management.

Unfortunately, 12 people have been sent to the hospital, with seven being occupants of 275 Bleecker Street in unknown condition, and five police officers who are being treated for non-serious injuries. 

Update as of 1:00pm, February 15, 2025

The fire has been suppressed, but there continues to be safety concerns for residents, police and fire services due to the significant smoke that remains. I am currently on site with Mayor Olivia Chow and Fire Chief Jim Jessop.

The cause of the fire and the impact to tenants at 275 Bleecker Street are currently unknown. 

TTC buses have been brought in to provide temporary shelter and Toronto Emergency Management has been notified.

I will continue to provide updates as I receive them, so please keep an eye on this page, and please sign up to my texting service here so I can deliver updates when they happen directly to you. You can do so by texting "275 Bleecker" to (437) 292-4963.